Fremont, CA - Fremont Unified School District Teacher Reynaldo Lorenzana Charged with Sexual Assault

Reynaldo Lorenzana, Teacher in the Fremont Unified School District, Charged with Sexual Assault

According to the East Bay Times, a Fremont Unified School District teacher has been charged with sexual assault. Reynaldo Lorenzana worked at Forest Park and Chadbourne elementary schools.

Lorenzana, 63-years-old, has been charged with sexually assaulting a former fifth-grader enrolled at one school. Further details regarding this crime have not been released.

Two other victims came forward, but their cases are outside the statute of limitations. These victims reported being assaulted at school or tutoring classes led by Lorenzana. Authorities believe there are additional victims and are asking them to come forward.

Lorenzana has been charged with a single count of felony lewd acts against a child. His plea hearing was on May 24th.

Legal Options of Victims Sexually Abused by a School Teacher

Attorney contributor Jason Amala, an experienced sexual abuse attorney, works with victims of sexual assault. In an interview, we asked him to share some insight on the legal options of victims sexually abused by a teacher.

"Schools and administrations have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their students. Unfortunately, there have been numerous teacher sexual assault cases surfacing. Schools must implement safety measures to ensure they provide the safest possible environment for enrolled students. Examples of safety measures are, but are not limited to, background checks and reporting systems."

"When sexual assault occurs by a teacher, the school and administration may be considered liable. Often, teacher sexual assault cases occur as a result of negligence by a third party, such as a school's administration. Consequently, if a school is negligent in sexual abuse occurs, victims and their families may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the school. Examples of negligence are if the administration failed to run a background check or properly investigate prior complaints. Victims and their families should consider securing the services of an experienced sexual assault attorney to learn more about their legal rights."

Sources:

East Bay Times