Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
NBC San Diego reported that a campus supervisor at an Encinitas middle school has been arrested for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old student. The incident occurred last Friday, outside of school hours, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
Omar Hernandez Galeana, a 21-year-old campus supervisor at Diegueño Middle School, located at 2150 Village Park Way, Encinitas, CA 92024, was taken into custody on Sunday, March 24, 2024, and is facing two charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, as well as a charge of employing a minor to sell marijuana.
The investigation was prompted by a report that Galeana had met the 12-year-old victim outside of school, leading to an immediate investigation by the SDSO's Child Abuse Unit. Galeana was arrested and is currently being held on $1 million bail.
In a message to parents, Anne Staffieri, Superintendent of the San Dieguito Union High School District, expressed the district's commitment to keeping families informed and their limited ability to share details due to the ongoing investigation and the victim's age.
"This terribly unfortunate situation should not be a discussion on social media as that will not help law enforcement with their investigation, and it serves only to compromise the privacy of those involved," Staffieri wrote.
According to a recent job posting from the district, a campus supervisor is a security personnel responsible for ensuring a secure environment within the campus boundaries. The position requires a successful background check post-offer.
Galeana's arrest marks the third arrest in a week of an employee with ties to San Diego County schools, raising concerns about the vetting process and the safety of students.
This developing story is sure to have far-reaching implications for the school district, the community, and the ongoing investigation. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.
In the aftermath of the shocking news of a campus supervisor's arrest for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old student, we sat down with Bobby Thompson, Esq., a local California sex abuse lawyer, to explore the legal options available to students and families in such cases. Thompson shared valuable guidance on the potential civil claims, the damages that could be sought, and the importance of acting quickly to protect one's rights if sexually abused by a school employee.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Thompson. As a sexual abuse attorney, what can you tell us about the rights and options available to students who have been abused by a campus supervisor or other school employee?
Bobby Thompson, Esq. (BT): Well, Darla, this is a deeply concerning situation, and my heart goes out to the victim and their family. In cases like this, students and their families may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the school district, the individual perpetrator, and potentially other liable parties.
DM: Can you elaborate on that? What types of claims might be available in a civil case?
BT: Absolutely. In the event of school sexual abuse, the student and their family could potentially pursue claims for negligence, negligent supervision, and even intentional infliction of emotional distress. The school district may be held liable if they failed to vet the employee properly, failed to provide adequate supervision, or knew or should have known about the abuse and did not take appropriate action.
DM: That's a lot to consider. What kind of damages could the victim and their family seek in a civil case?
BT: The damages can be significant. They may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the perpetrator and deter similar conduct in the future.
DM: What else can you tell the students or parents who may be considering a civil case?
BT: I would say to them to act quickly and consult with an experienced sexual abuse attorney. The legal process can be complex, and it's crucial to have someone on your side who understands the nuances of these types of cases. Additionally, I would encourage anyone with information about this or similar incidents to come forward and cooperate with the authorities.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for sharing with us today.
BT: Thank you, Darla. I hope this information is helpful to those affected by this terrible situation. My door is always open to those seeking justice and support.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of student abuse and are considering pursuing a civil case, we are here to help. Our experienced team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting for justice and providing support to victims and their families. Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can discuss your legal options and guide you through the process. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and we are committed to seeking justice on your behalf.
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