According to KSHB, a county employee was arrested for sexually assaulting someone while working for Bates County in Missouri.
Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson received a report that named a county worker involved in an alleged sexual assault. Anderson then requested an investigation be conducted by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office.
Following the investigation, 38-year-old Kyle B. Mallatt and 37-year-old Rachelle L. Mallatt were arrested. Kyle was charged with sodomy or attempted sodomy first degree and sodomy second degree. Rachelle was charged with tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution and hindering the prosecution of a felon.
Attorney contributor Reed Martens represents victims in civil lawsuits against sexual predators and negligent businesses. Reed has shared some thoughts regarding the legal rights of those sexually abused by a county employee.
"When you think of a county or state official, you usually would not expect that professional to violate your trust. Most county employees are trustworthy, but there have been instances where sexual predators gain employment within county agencies. These predators use their positions of trust to exploit their victims. Victims sexually abused by county employees should be aware of their legal rights."
"Filing a report will result in a criminal investigation and possible criminal charges against the perpetrator, but this may not be the only option for victims. Victims may have grounds for a lawsuit against a third party, such as their employer if they are found to have acted in negligence. A county agency has a legal duty to prevent abuse. This can be done by conducting background checks and properly reporting instances of misconduct. If they fail to implement safety standards, they may be held liable for abuse."
"Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to learn more about their legal rights for filing a civil lawsuit by consulting with an experienced sexual abuse attorney. In some cases of third party neglect, they may even be entitled to compensation."