According to Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a former band director has been accused of indecency with the students he taught at Bear Creek Intermediate School located at 801 Bear Creek Pkwy, Keller, TX 76248.
Police arrested 36-year-old Jedidiah Maus in 2021 after multiple accounts surfaced of him exposing himself and having sexual contact with the students he taught. One student alleged that the band teacher exposed himself in the bathroom.
During the ongoing investigation, many students came forward accusing Maus of inappropriate behavior. However, due to evidence backing up the allegations, he has been charged with only eight cases of indecency with a child. Police believe there could be more victims due to Maus teaching for over 20 years.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam, an experienced school sex abuse victim lawyer, assists victims and their families file private civil lawsuits. He helps victims seek justice against sexual predators and negligent third parties, such as schools. Anjali recently provided his insight on when families can sue if a band director sexually abuses a child.
"Both parents and children place their trust in teachers each day. Unfortunately, there have been numerous reports across the country of teachers abusing their positions of power and trust to exploit children in their care. School officials have a moral and legal commitment to implement preemptive security measures to reduce the chance of danger, like sexual abuse. This may include doing frequent background checks, video monitoring software throughout the campus, and security sweeps. Schools that neglect their safety protocol can be held liable."
"When a teacher is accused of sexually assaulting a student, the perpetrator should be investigated. Additionally, the school should also be investigated to see if it did everything possible to avoid the abuse. Too often, abuse occurs due to the school's irresponsibility, such as ignoring previous reports about misconduct. Victims and their families can learn more about their legal rights by reaching out to an experienced school sex abuse victim lawyer."