Danville, Illinois - Danville High School Teacher Chelsea Robinson Fired After Sexual Assault Arrest

Danville School Board Votes to Fire Teacher Amid Sex Abuse Allegations

A teacher in Danville, Illinois has been fired after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with a minor student at Danville High School.

28-year-old Chelsea Robinson had been a special education teacher at the high school since 2013. She has been arrested on three counts of criminal sexual assault by a person in a position of trust. Prosecutors say that Robinson had a sexual relationship with a male student in June.

On Wednesday, September 12, the school board voted to fire Robinson.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If found guilty, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

Legal Recourse For Victims of Teacher Sex Abuse

Guy D'Andrea is an attorney who represents the victims of sexual assault in high school. We’ve asked him to offer some insight into the legal rights of those who have been sexually assaulted by teachers and others in positions of trust:

In New Hampshire, a teacher is legally considered a “person in a position of trust.” This means that it’s illegal for teachers to have sexual relationships with their students, even if the student is over the age of legal consent.

Unfortunately, we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing headlines about sexual misconduct between teachers and their students. This can range from sexual harassment to sexual assault and rape. When a student becomes the victim of sexual misconduct by a teacher, it’s important for the family to be aware of their legal options.

In addition to holding the teacher accountable in criminal court, the victims may also have the option to file a lawsuit against the school district. This option is available when the school’s negligence played a role in failing to prevent the assault. Filing a lawsuit can help hold the school accountable for failing to keep their students safe, along with providing financial compensation for the victims of these crimes.

If your child has been sexually assaulted by a teacher or other school employee, you can learn more about your legal options by speaking with an experienced sexual assault victims lawyer.