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According to WSAZ, a Cabell County teacher has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing students at Barboursville Middle School, located at 1400 Central Ave, Barboursville, WV 25504.
According to Cabell County court records, 49-year-old Daniel Francis Miles was arrested on July 7, 2022. Miles has been accused of sexually abusing multiple students at the middle school where he taught. The abuse was said to have occurred from August 2019 until January 2022.
The report also states that Miles has been reprimanded for prior allegations similar to the current charges. A school administrator wrote Miles to stop “jovial touching... students” or that the superintendent would be involved. Miles has been placed on administrative leave that began on January 13, 2022. He currently faces charges including sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust to a child and third-degree sexual abuse.
Attorney contributor Paul Bucci represents school sex abuse victims and their families in legal suits in West Virginia. Paul recently shared his thoughts on the legal rights available for sexually abused victims, including when they can sue for being sexually abused by a middle school teacher.
"Reports of teachers sexually abusing students are on the rise. School administrators have a legal obligation to make sure their children are safe. A basic safety plan could include security cameras, resource officers, and frequent security sweeps. Predators gain the position of teachers to easily abuse their position of power and trust to exploit children. Ensuring that background checks are conducted should be a top priority for middle schools. Students are put at greater risk if their school fails to have adequate security."
"In the event of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior in a middle school, it is necessary to look at the school's safeguarding procedures. School administration should follow a process when an incident is reported, including a thorough investigation. If previous claims of sex crimes were reported but ignored, the school could be considered negligent. The district and school may be held responsible for failing to prevent a known perpetrator from further abusing others. Victims of sexual abuse may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent schools or school districts.
Victims of school sexual abuse are encouraged to consult with an experienced school sex abuse lawyer to learn more about their legal options."
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