Annapolis, MD - Jennifer Arnold, Former Teacher at Annapolis High School, Charged With Sexual Abusing a Student

High School Teacher Accused of Sexual Abusing Student

According to ABC 7 News, a teacher was arrested following accusations of sexually abusing a student while teaching at Annapolis High School located at 2700 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Police arrested 41-year-old Jennifer Arnold on Friday, October 1, 2021, following an ongoing investigation of sexual abuse that began in July. The investigation began with a student alleging that he had sexual encounters with the teacher.

Police and the Department of Social Services reported they investigated other potential witnesses. Arnold began teaching special education at Annapolis High School in 2015. The school has barred her from the property amid allegations of abuse. 

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Abuse by a Teacher

Attorney contributor Aaron Blank represents victims of sexual abuse and has been a sexual abuse attorney for years. During an interview, Aaron shared some commentary on the legal rights of victims sexually abused by their teachers.

"Schools and their administration have a legal obligation to protect their students. Unfortunately, predators can gain employment within the schools taking positions of power and trust, enabling them to exploit students. When a school hires an employee, they should do their best to prove the teacher is qualified and does not have a history of misconduct or abuse. Schools should implement preventative measures to provide safety such as thorough background checks for all employees, security cameras throughout the campus, properly used reporting systems, and much more."

"If sexual abuse occurs within the school or by a school teacher, the victim and their family have the legal right to inquire if the school and administration did everything in their power to provide a safe environment for students. However, if a school fails to provide sufficient safety measures and abuse occurs, the school can be held liable in a lawsuit. Schools can be held responsible in sexual abuse cases due to negligence. If misconduct complaints had been filed previously yet were ignored or not investigated, the school can be considered negligent. Victims of abuse at the hands of a teacher should explore all their legal rights with an experienced sexual abuse attorney. In such instances of neglect, victims and their families should know they may have reasons to pursue a civil lawsuit."

Sources:

ABC 7 News