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According to First Coast News, a Jacksonville private school teacher is accused of sexually abusing a student.
James Johnson, 70-years-old, a teacher at New Beginnings Christian Academy, has been accused of giving inappropriate notes and messages to a young girl. Johnson allegedly sent the victim messages through TikTok and Text Me apps asking if she was alone, saying he "loved her," and calling her "babe," reported First Coast News. Despite the victim's mother confronting him, but the communications continued.
The victim reported to police that Johnson sent notes expressing his desire to touch her private areas, which she claims occurred three times. Johnson claims he did not touch her.
Johnson faces one count of offenses against students by authority figures and one count of lewd molestation of a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
Attorney contributor Michael Haggard has represented numerous victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits. In an interview, Michael offered the following commentary regarding the rights of victims sexually abused by a teacher.
"Schools have a legal obligation to do their best to protect students from being hurt and providing a safe environment. Unfortunately, sexual predators often seek employment at schools to place themselves in positions of power. Schools should implement safety measures to ensure students' safety. If a school does not do its best in protecting a child, it may be considered liable."
"In cases of sexual abuse by a teacher, schools should also be investigated to ensure they are not negligent. If a school is considered a liable third party in sexual abuse that occurs by a teacher, the victim, and their family can file a civil lawsuit. One example of negligence is if prior complaints were made, but the teacher was permitted to continue working. In negligence cases, victims and their families may receive compensation for damages."
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