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The Dallas Police Department announced the arrest of former private school teacher Matthew Harmon following a yearlong investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a child, according to Fox 4.
According to authorities, an arrest warrant was issued for Harmon in late May. Detectives say the offense occurred in 2007, involving a victim Harmon met while working as a teacher and coach at The Providence Christian School of Texas in Dallas from 2004 to 2007.
The victim, who was in the eighth grade at the time, told investigators that Harmon would hold private tutoring sessions with her. Over time, Harmon allegedly began buying the victim gifts, including bras and underwear. When the victim was around 16 years old, she claims Harmon had intercourse with her at his apartment and various hotels.
In a statement, Providence Christian School said it learned of the accusations in the fall of 2022 and immediately reported the information to authorities. The school's Board of Trustees also hired an independent investigator to review the allegations and school policies.
The investigation concluded that the former teacher and coach committed credible acts of misconduct during and after his time at Providence, and that the school administration at the time failed to properly address the situation.
"We are grieved that the alumni participating in this investigation did not receive the care and concern they deserved from the Providence administration during their time at the School," the statement read.
The investigator also found evidence that Harmon may not have been properly screened before being hired, due to allegations of prior misconduct. Additionally, red flags spotted by staff members, including private meetings with female students, were not reported to school leadership.
Providence Christian School says the investigation has prompted a review of its safety and security policies and protocols.
Authorities note that Harmon also volunteered at Trinity Christian Academy for several years and worked at Kanakuk camps in Durango, Colorado, and Branson, Missouri, from 1995 through the mid-2000s. Due to Harmon's extensive work and volunteering involving thousands of children, police believe there may be additional unidentified victims.
In the wake of former Dallas private school teacher Matthew Harmon's arrest for the alleged sexual assault of a student, we spoke with experienced Texas school sexual abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam to understand the legal rights and options available to victims in cases like this. Nigam discussed the responsibilities of private schools, how they can be held liable for institutional failures, and the importance of survivors seeking both justice and support.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for being here, Anjali.
Anjali Nigam, Esq. (AN): Thank you for having me, Darla. This is a deeply disturbing case, and unfortunately, it's not an isolated incident. Students who are sexually abused by teachers or other private school staff have important legal rights and avenues for accountability.
DM: Can you tell us more about the legal recourse available to victims in cases like this?
AN: Absolutely. Victims of sexual abuse by a private school teacher can pursue civil lawsuits against both the perpetrator and the school itself. The school may be held liable for negligence in failing to properly screen, monitor, or respond to reports of misconduct.
Victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the school for egregious failures.
DM: What about the responsibilities of the private school in a case like this? How can they be held accountable?
AN: Private schools have a duty of care to protect their students from harm, including sexual abuse. When they fail to uphold that duty - whether through inadequate background checks, ignoring warning signs, or mishandling reports of abuse - they can be liable.
DM: And what advice would you give to other victims or families who may be in a similar situation?
AN: My advice would be to speak with an experienced child sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, but an attorney can help navigate the legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.
It's also crucial for survivors to seek counseling and other support services to aid in their healing. No one should have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse, especially at the hands of a trusted authority figure.
DM: Thank you, Anjali, for your valuable insights and for shedding light on the legal options available to victims in cases like this.
AN: Thank you, Darla. I hope this information helps empower survivors to seek the justice and support they deserve.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse by a teacher or other school staff member, it's crucial to know that you have rights and legal options available. An experienced child sexual abuse attorney can help ensure your voice is heard and fight to hold the perpetrator and the school accountable.
Our team of sexual abuse attorneys understands the profound impact of this type of trauma. We are committed to providing compassionate, confidential support while vigorously pursuing justice on your behalf. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation – we're here to help you navigate this difficult process and secure the compensation and closure you deserve.
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