According to WSAZ, a Wayne County, West Virginia parent volunteer is in custody after being arrested on charges related to an alleged relationship with a minor.
Lindsay Coyan, 40, who had been a volunteer at the Ceredo-Kenova Middle School located at 500 High St Ceredo, WV 25507, was taken into custody on Friday. An investigation was launched after allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Coyan and a minor surfaced. Coyan has been charged with solicitation of a minor, sexual assault, and sexual abuse. She is currently held at the Western Regional Jail on a $128,000 bond.
Attorney contributor Jesse Forbes helps school sex abuse victims and their families in West Virginia seek the justice they deserve. During a recent discussion, Paul highlighted the legal rights available for victims sexually abused by a parent volunteer at a middle school.
"School districts have a legal duty to protect the safety of the children in their care and to take the necessary steps to prevent the sexual abuse of those children. When a school district fails to take the necessary steps to protect the children in their care, the school district may be held liable for the harm caused to the victims."
"In the event of sexual abuse in a middle school, it is necessary to look at the school's safeguarding procedures. In addition to conducting background checks on all staff and volunteers, the schools should follow a process when an incident is reported, including a thorough investigation. If previous claims of misconduct were ignored, the school could be deemed liable. Victims of sexual abuse may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent schools or school districts. To fully explore their legal options, victims and their families should consult with an experienced school sex abuse lawyer."