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Dr. Chad Dwight Barrett, 56, principal of Hardin Junior High School, was arrested Thursday, November 14, 2024, on felony charges of possessing child pornography. The arrest came after a juvenile and his mother reported receiving an inappropriate video on social media, allegedly sent by Barrett, as reported by KHOU.
Liberty County Sheriff's Office officials conducted an interview with Barrett at his school located at 501 FM 834, Liberty, TX 77575, where he cooperated and provided a statement. During the investigation, authorities discovered photos and videos containing child sexual abuse material on Barrett's personal phone.
Hardin Independent School District has not yet responded to inquiries about Barrett's employment status following his arrest.
LCSO spokesperson Capt. David Meyers urged parents to monitor their children's social media communications for their protection. The sheriff's office is asking parents of Hardin Junior High School students to discuss with their children whether they have received any inappropriate messages, photos, or videos from Barrett.
Parents who discover any inappropriate content sent by Barrett are instructed to contact the Liberty County Sheriff's Office at 936-336-4500 and request to speak with an investigator.
In the aftermath of the shocking arrest of Hardin Junior High School Principal Dr. Chad Dwight Barrett on child pornography charges, many parents find themselves grappling with fear, anger, and uncertainty. As the community reels from this disturbing revelation, questions arise about the legal options available to families potentially affected by such egregious misconduct within an educational setting. To address these concerns and provide clarity on the complex legal landscape surrounding school sexual abuse cases, we sat down with Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas attorney specializing in sexual abuse litigation. In this interview, Nigam offers valuable guidance for parents seeking to protect their children's rights and hold responsible parties accountable.
Editor Darla Medina: Ms. Nigam, what legal rights do parents have in a situation like this?
Attorney Anjali Nigam: Parents have several avenues to protect their children and seek accountability. First and foremost, they should cooperate with law enforcement in the criminal investigation. Additionally, they can pursue civil action against the school district if negligence can be proven.
Medina: How can parents determine if the school district was negligent?
Nigam: Negligence could be established if the school district failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored previous complaints, or didn't have adequate policies in place to prevent such incidents. Parents should gather any evidence of the school's knowledge or lack of action regarding inappropriate behavior.
Medina: What steps should parents take to protect their children's rights?
Nigam: Parents should document all communication with the school, seek medical and psychological evaluations for their children, consider filing a Title IX complaint, and consult with an attorney specializing in sexual abuse.
Medina: Can schools be held accountable for the actions of their employees?
Nigam: Yes, under certain circumstances. If a school acted with "deliberate indifference" to misconduct or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, they can be held liable. This could include inadequate supervision, lack of proper security measures, or failure to respond to previous incidents.
Medina: What kind of compensation might be available in a civil lawsuit?
Nigam: Civil lawsuits can help cover expenses related to medical treatment, therapy, and potential long-term psychological care. They can also provide compensation for emotional distress and, in some cases, punitive damages to deter future negligence.
Medina: Any final advice for parents in this situation?
Nigam: Act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your child's rights. Don't hesitate to seek legal counsel, as these cases can be complex. Remember, the primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children affected by this unfortunate situation.
The trauma of sexual abuse can leave lasting scars, but victims and their families don't have to face the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual abuse in an educational setting, remember that you have rights and options. Our team of compassionate and experienced attorneys is here to listen, support, and guide you through the legal process. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options and take the first step towards healing and justice. Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back – reach out today and let us help you reclaim your power and seek the compensation you deserve. Your voice matters, and we're here to amplify it.
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