Irvine, CA - Employee of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Terry Edward Keegan, Arrested For Sexually Abusing Three Girls

DHS Worker Arrested For Sexually Abusing 3 Girls

According to KTLA, sexual assault charges have been brought against an employee at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security located at 24000 Avila Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. 

On Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 59-year-old Terry Edward Keegan was arrested for sexual assault. Three girls under 14 years old have reported that Keegan sexually abused them. One victim, an 8-year-old, alleged that the abuse began in 2011 when he lived next door to her. Keegan was also accused of molesting a young girl that lived with him and his girlfriend. After he moved in 2015, he allegedly began to abuse a third girl that was a neighbor. 

Keegan has been charged with three felony charges for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, a felony count of the continuous sexual abuse of a child, a misdemeanor charge of annoying or molesting a child under 18, and a misdemeanor charge of touching an intimate part of another person. 

Filing Lawsuits For Victims Sexually Abused by a Government Employee

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson is an experienced sexual abuse attorney that helps victims file civil lawsuits. Bobby recently outlined the legal options available for victims sexually assaulted by a government employee.

"Government officials hold a position that automatically gains power and trust of those around them. People expect that they are trustworthy, especially when their positions involve the safety of those around them. The government office has to maintain that their employees are upstanding members of the community. This may include conducting background checks on all employees and investigating any incidents of misconduct. This is especially true when the employer is a government agency. As a government agency, it is their responsibility to be a role model regarding abuse and violence. Failure to uphold their obligation can lead to them being considered negligent."

"Sexual assault by a government employee is often the result of safety negligence. If an agency is found negligent in the sexual assault, it may be held liable in a civil lawsuit. For instance, if the employee had previous misconduct reports against them but was permitted to work or other employees were aware of sexual abuse but did not report it, the agency could be held accountable for the abuse. Victims sexually assaulted by a government employee should consult an experienced sexual abuse attorney to help determine if they have a case."

Sources:

KTLA