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CBS News Texas reported a North Texas teacher has been arrested in connection with the sex trafficking of an underage victim in Dallas. The arrest came as a result of a joint task force operation, which also led to the apprehension of three other individuals within the past week.
The accused, identified as 36-year-old Gershon Caston, has worked in four different North Texas school districts over the past decade. He now faces serious charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, trafficking of a child, and compelling prostitution by a minor. Three others, namely Lamorris Hudspeth, Amber Gords, and Adarius Staples, were also charged in relation to the disturbing case.
According to the Dallas Police Department, a preliminary investigation conducted by the North Texas Trafficking Task Force revealed that the crimes took place during June and July of this year. Shockingly, a source familiar with the investigation informed CBS News Texas that the case is connected to the recent disappearance of an 11-year-old girl in southern Dallas. The young girl had become the subject of an Amber Alert, but thankfully, the Waxahachie Police reported on Saturday that she had been found safe.
Gershon Caston is currently employed as a teacher and coach for Red Oak Middle School in the Red Oak Independent School District (ISD) located at 154 Louise Ritter Blvd, Red Oak, TX 75154. The district issued a statement to parents reassuring them that the charges against Caston are not related to its schools and that there is no indication of any student being involved. As a precautionary measure, the teacher has been placed on leave ahead of his scheduled first day in the classroom next month.
However, Caston's previous employment history has also come under scrutiny. Duncanville ISD lists him in their staff directory for Duncanville High School, but the district has yet to respond to inquiries regarding his current employment status. Meanwhile, Irving ISD confirmed that an individual with Caston's name worked as a special education teacher for two years from August 2020 to May 2022. However, the district has not received official notification of his arrest.
DeSoto ISD, where Caston spent a year working as a special education teacher, confirmed his prior employment but stated that he resigned in 2016 without any written reprimands or complaints during his tenure. A social media photo of Caston wearing a DeSoto West lanyard has also been discovered.
Authorities have not yet released detailed affidavits outlining the evidence against Caston and the other suspects arrested in the sex trafficking investigation. The community remains shocked and concerned as the case unfolds, with parents, educators, and authorities closely monitoring the situation.
In the wake of a shocking incident involving a North Texas teacher's arrest in connection to the sex trafficking of an underage victim, concerns about the safety and well-being of students have reached an alarming high. To provide clarity on the legal options available for victims of school sexual abuse and their families, we sat down with Marc Lenahan, Esq., a prominent Texas-based sexual abuse lawyer, for an exclusive interview.
Darla Medina (DM): With the recent shocking news of a North Texas teacher's arrest in connection to sex trafficking, many are concerned about the safety of students. Marc, as an experienced attorney, could you provide some insights on what survivors of sexual abuse, in general, can do if they find themselves victims of abuse or if they suspect abuse is happening within their school?
Marc Lenahan (ML): Certainly, Darla. Survivors of sexual abuse and their families should know they have rights and legal options to pursue justice and accountability. When it comes to abuse within schools, there are two avenues to consider: criminal prosecution and civil litigation.
DM: That's important information. Could you elaborate on the civil litigation process and what it entails for survivors seeking to hold those who enable abuse within schools accountable?
ML: Of course. In civil cases, survivors can file a lawsuit against the individuals, organizations, or institutions responsible for enabling or failing to prevent the abuse. This could include teachers, administrators, school districts, or any other party that may have been negligent in their duty to protect students from harm.
DM: What kind of compensation can survivors seek through civil litigation?
ML: In civil cases, survivors may seek various forms of compensation, including monetary damages for physical and emotional injuries resulting from the abuse. These damages can cover medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Additionally, civil cases play a vital role in exposing negligence and fostering changes within schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
DM: That's crucial information for survivors and their families to consider. Marc, what advice would you give to those who may have information about abuse happening within their school or community?
ML: If anyone suspects or has information about abuse, it's essential to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. This could be the school principal, law enforcement, or child protective services. Prompt reporting can help prevent further harm and initiate investigations that hold perpetrators accountable.
DM: Thank you for sharing that advice, Marc. One last question before we conclude—what kind of support is available for survivors and their families during this challenging process?
ML: Support is vital in these cases. Survivors can seek counseling and therapy to help them cope with the emotional trauma they've experienced. Additionally, there are advocacy groups and legal organizations specializing in sexual abuse cases that can offer guidance and support throughout the legal process.
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