Florissant, MO - Former Teacher Assistant, Joseph Guyre, Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student at Wedgewood Elementary School

Former Teacher's Aide Accused of Sexually Abusing Student

According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 32-year-old Joseph Guyre has been charged with sexually abusing a student while employed at Wedgewood Elementary School located at 14275 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO 63033. 

On Thursday, September 16, 2021, Guyre was arrested, facing charges of sexually abusing an elementary student under 12 years old. The alleged abuse took place from May 2013 to May 2017. 

Guyre's bail was set to $50,000. He is facing two counts of statutory sodomy of a child younger than 12 in addition to one count of child molestation. 

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Abused by a Teacher's Aide

Attorney contributor Reed Martens is an experienced sexual assault attorney who has worked with many victims of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits. Below, Reed has provided his insight regarding the legal rights of victims abused sexually by a teacher's aide.

"Schools and their administration are legally obligated to provide a safe environment for the students in their care. Sadly, numerous cases of sexual assault occurring in schools have been reported across the country. Predators often gain employment in schools, allowing them positions of power and trust, enabling incidents of sexual abuse. Schools and their administration must do everything within their power to prevent predators from gaining access to the campus to ensure the children's safety. Adequate safeguards should be implemented to uphold this level of safety. Examples can include cameras throughout the campus, security guards, and by conducting background checks."

"If a student is abused sexually by a teacher's aide, the victim or their family should inquire about the level of prevention the school implemented. If a school lacks adequate safeguards, it can be held responsible in a lawsuit. Many times, sexual abuse by a teacher's aide takes place due to negligence by a third party, such as the administration. Negligence can include if misconduct was reported, but the school did not properly investigate the teacher's aide. Victims, along with their families, should seek the counsel of an experienced sexual abuse attorney to understand all their legal options better. In cases of negligence, they may have grounds for a civil lawsuit and might even receive monetary compensation for damages."

Sources:

St. Louis Post-Dispatch