Clovis, CA - Former Student Accusing Kia Yang, a Teacher at Clovis East High School, of Sexual Assault

Former High School Teacher Accused of Raping Student

According to ABC 30, a student is accusing a teacher of raping her while a sophomore at Clovis East High School located at 2940 Leonard Ave, Clovis, CA 93619. 

A former student, now 31 years old, has accused 44-year-old Kia Yang of raping as many as 12 times during her sophomore year at high school between 2004 and 2005. The victim alleges that Yang touched her vagina and fondled her while she was just 15 years old. She recalled an incident where he "forcibly pulled down my pants, forcibly pulled down my underwear." Allegedly, he even told her that he would kill her parents if she told anyone. 

In two instances, the former teacher showed up at her house, uninvited. Once, he used the excuse of giving her a music CD. Her parents called the police. 

The victim said she came forward after confiding with her therapist. She said she was recently diagnosed with terminal brain disease and wanted to let people know what happened. 

In 2005, Yang was fired from the high school based on allegations of drug use and inappropriate conduct with a student. 

Legal Options For Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Teachers

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson is an experienced school sexual abuse attorney representing sex abuse victims in civil lawsuits. Bobby recently shared his thought on the legal option for victims of school sexual assault to file a civil lawsuit. 

"Too often lately, we have seen cases of widespread sexual predators within the school systems. Many predators are finding ways to be employed as teachers and coaches, both positions of trust and power. However, it is the legal duty of schools to prevent this to the best of their ability. Safety measures that may help reduce the chances of them gaining access to vulnerable children include doing background checks, installing surveillance cameras, and taking reports seriously. Failure to maintain the safety of the school campus can lead to the school or administration being held liable for abuse that occurs."

"Sexual abuse victims have legal options to file in both criminal and civil courts. In addition to reporting the teacher to law enforcement for a criminal investigation, some victims may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit.

In cases involving negligence, such as school officials ignoring reports of prior misconduct, victims may even be financially compensated. However, state laws may have a statute of limitations that affects whether a victim can still file a lawsuit. It is strongly advised to consult with an experienced school sex abuse attorney to learn more about your legal options."

Source:

ABC 30