Perpetrators
Matthew Shelton, a 42-year-old school teacher and fifth-grade teacher at Robert Semple Elementary School in Benicia, California, is facing criminal charges and allegations of sexual abuse of at least eight children.
Shelton is facing seven felony counts of lewd acts with a child under 14. The acts allegedly occurred on school property and during school field trips.
In 2007, Shelton had previously been accused by police of molesting four of his students, ages 8 and 9, while working as a third-grade teacher at Edison Elementary School in Napa, California. He was found not guilty. Shelton began working as a substitute teacher in the Benicia Unified District just a few years later in 2012, and eventually got a full-time job there in 2015 and has maintained his employment until this year.
Authorities believe there are more victims. You are not alone.
Can a Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice for the Trauma They May Have Experienced By Matthew Shelton?
By initiating legal action, survivors can hold institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable for their actions. Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured.
Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse and fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. As a result, survivors gain a platform to share their experiences. Thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against the School?
Yes. Benicia School District hired a teacher who had been previously accused of sexually abusing students. The school should have discovered the prior allegations and criminal cases during the vetting process. Instead, Shelton worked for over a decade with unfettered access to children. If you were a Matthew Shelton victim, you might have rights.
Andreozzi + Foote is a leading sexual abuse law firm in the nation. Contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.
We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We offer free, confidential case evaluations. Contact us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.
