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A former teacher and wrestling coach from Gallia County, Ohio, has been charged alongside his wife in an investigation into sexual misconduct with students, according to Fox 11. The charges paint a harrowing picture of abuse of power and betrayal of trust.
Matthew Huck, a former teacher at River Valley High School, located at 4280 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd, Caledonia, OH 43314, has been indicted on charges of rape and three counts of complicity to commit unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. The rape charge dates back to 2004 and involves a then-student at the high school, with the alleged incident occurring during a nighttime event at the Huck residence.
"Many people in Gallia County suspected this was happening, but we needed hard evidence to prove it – now we have it," said Special Prosecutor David Kelley. "We'll be asking a jury of his peers to hold Matthew Huck fully accountable for his predatory behavior."
Huck is also accused of assisting his then-wife, Michal Paige Huck, who was a cheerleading coach and teacher at the school, as she allegedly engaged in sexual activity with two students between the ages of 13 and 16. Michal Huck was indicted in August 2023 on six counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
If convicted on all counts, Matthew Huck faces up to 26 years in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender. This case has sent shockwaves through the community, as it represents a profound breach of trust and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Learn more about the accusations and charges against his wife, Michal Paige Huck.
In the wake of the shocking allegations against a former Ohio teacher and wrestling coach, it's clear that the victims and their families will need extensive support and guidance as they navigate the complex legal landscape. To better understand their options, we sat down with experienced sexual abuse lawyer John Bey, who provided invaluable insights on how students sexually abused by a school coach can seek justice and hold the negligent school district responsible.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us today. As an experienced sexual abuse lawyer, what options do the students have if sexually abused by a school teacher or coach and how can they hold the school accountable?
Attorney John Bey: This case has revealed a deeply troubling situation, and students in such situations have several legal avenues to pursue accountability and justice. First and foremost, they can file civil lawsuits against the teachers involved, as well as the school district, if they failed to protect them from this abuse. Schools have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their students, and when they fall short, they can be held financially responsible.
The students may also be able to seek compensation through the state's victim compensation fund, which can help cover the costs of counseling, medical expenses, and other support services. Additionally, they could cooperate with the criminal investigation and potentially provide victim impact statements during the sentencing phase.
Medina: What are some of the legal arguments the students and their families could make against the school district?
Bey: There are a few key arguments the students and their families could make. First, they would want to prove that the school district was negligent in its hiring and supervisory practices, allowing these teachers to remain in positions of authority despite knowledge or suspicion of their misconduct. Schools have an obligation to thoroughly vet employees and monitor them for any inappropriate behavior.
Secondly, the students could argue that the school district failed to implement adequate policies and training to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. All school personnel should be trained to recognize the signs of abuse and have clear protocols in place for reporting and investigating any allegations.
Finally, the students may be able to demonstrate that the school district's actions or inactions amounted to a violation of their civil rights, particularly their right to a safe educational environment free from sexual harassment and abuse.
Medina: What advice would you give to victimized students and their families as they navigate this difficult legal process?
Bey: My heart goes out to these students and their families. This is a traumatic experience, and they will need a tremendous amount of support, both legal and emotional. I would advise them to work closely with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can guide them through the complex legal landscape and ensure their rights are protected.
Ultimately, my message to the students would be: You are not alone, and you have the power to hold these perpetrators and the system that enabled them accountable. Your voices and your stories have the power to create real change and prevent this from happening to others.
For the students and families affected by this abhorrent betrayal of trust, the path forward may seem daunting. However, with the guidance of skilled legal professionals and a commitment to justice, they can reclaim their power and ensure that no one else suffers as they have. If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse by a teacher or coach, we urge you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation. Our team of dedicated attorneys is here to listen, provide support, and fight tirelessly to hold the perpetrators and enablers accountable. Together, we can work towards a future where schools are safe havens for learning and growth, rather than breeding grounds for predatory behavior.
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