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According to ABC7News, a Physical Education teacher from American Canyon High School, located at 3000 Newell Dr, American Canyon, CA 94503, was arrested and is facing serious charges of engaging in multiple sex crimes with a female student. The accused, Brad Rowell, was initially arrested on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, before posting bail. He was arrested again on Friday, April 12, 2024, following the addition of further charges.
According to court documents, Rowell has been charged with a staggering 21 felony sex crimes against a female student. The alleged crimes are reported to have commenced last summer and persisted until just last week. The victim, who was between the ages of 15 and 16 throughout the duration of the incidents, has endured a harrowing ordeal. The alleged sex acts were reported to have taken place on the campus in the weight room, in a vehicle, as well as in the janitor's closet. Napa County Sheriff Oscar Ortiz revealed that Rowell's arrest came after the school resource officer stumbled upon compelling evidence, prompting immediate action.
"He came across some very disturbing evidence where it pushed it past the rumor realm and pushed it in the evidence realm, and then the decision was made to immediately arrest him," Sheriff Ortiz stated.
Rowell was initially arrested on April 9 but was subsequently released on bail. However, on April 12, authorities uncovered additional evidence leading to his re-arrest. He currently remains in jail as the investigation continues. He was booked on serious felony charges, including engaging in inappropriate contact with a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, and possession of explicit material involving an individual under the age of 18.
Superintendent Rosanna Mucetti of the Napa Valley Unified School District addressed the concerned parents during a meeting. She expressed her deep concern and emphasized the school district's commitment to conducting a comprehensive and thorough investigation. The school principal is said to be on leave due to the investigation.
"It's extremely concerning. It's absolutely unacceptable to us, so we are going to look at our systems," Mucetti asserted. "We are going to investigate the matter comprehensively and thoroughly."
Further exacerbating the gravity of the situation, court documents reveal that Rowell was found to be in possession of material depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. Parents in attendance expressed their heartbreak and anguish upon learning the distressing details of the case.
"Heartbroken 'cause this is such a tight-knit community," shared Jordan Donaldson, a parent. "We have such great parents and students that this should not have happened."
"Our son said that he was actually a really nice guy and a lot harder on the guys - the boys - and had a very good relationship with a lot of the girls and was very friendly and buddy buddy with them," shared Jordanna Howard, a parent in the district.
Another parent, Jeffrey Fredeen, recounted his son's initial impression, stating, "My son - when this initially happened I said, 'what's the deal?' He's like 'I don't know, he seemed cool, he seemed like a nice guy, but he was very friendly with the female students.'"
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement authorities are diligently working to determine if there are any additional victims who may have suffered at the hands of Brad Rowell.
According to an amended criminal complaint filed on May 28, 2024, by the Napa County District Attorney's Office, a second victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, has come forward with allegations against Rowell. The complaint adds three counts of lewd acts upon a child against Rowell, stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred between August 2008 and January 2010 in Stanislaus County, when the victim was under the age of 14, according to The Press Democrat.
The amended complaint also includes a new felony charge of contact with a minor for sexual offense against Rowell, involving the first victim, Jane Doe 1, who was previously described as a 16-year-old American Canyon High School student.
In response to the recent arrest of a high school PE teacher, we sat down with Jason Amala, an experienced California school sex abuse lawyer, to discuss the legal rights available to survivors of sexual abuse in high schools. With a focus on empowering victims and holding negligent schools accountable, Amala provided valuable guidance on navigating the legal landscape while shedding light on the steps families can take to seek justice.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Amala.
Attorney Jason Amala (JA): Thank you, Darla. It's my pleasure to be here and discuss this important topic.
DM: In light of the recent shocking incident involving a high school Physical Education teacher, what legal rights do victims of school related sex abuse have?
JA: Victims of sexual abuse in schools have legal rights that should not be overlooked. In California, they can pursue civil action against the perpetrator and, in certain cases, against the school itself. These legal rights aim to provide justice and compensation for the victims' physical, emotional, and psychological suffering.
DM: How can survivors hold negligent schools accountable for the abuse that occurred on their premises?
JA: Holding negligent schools accountable requires thorough investigation and legal action. Victims may have grounds to sue the school for negligence if it can be proven that the institution failed to provide a safe environment or neglected to address warning signs or complaints regarding the abusive teacher. It is essential to gather evidence, document incidents, and consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in school sex abuse cases.
DM: What advice do you have for individuals who may be unsure about coming forward or seeking legal recourse?
JA: It's understandable that survivors may feel hesitant or fearful about coming forward. However, it's crucial for them to understand that they are not alone and that there is support available. My advice would be to reach out to a trusted attorney who specializes in these cases. They can provide guidance, protect their rights, and navigate the legal process on their behalf.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Amala, for sharing your expertise on this matter. It is encouraging to learn about the legal options available that can help victims seek justice and hold schools accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one have been affected by sexual abuse in a high school, we understand the challenges you may be facing. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer a compassionate and dedicated approach to helping survivors seek justice and hold negligent institutions accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can discuss your case, provide guidance, and explore your legal options. Your voice matters, and we are committed to fighting for your rights.
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