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A former high school coach has been taken into custody following serious allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. Aaron J. Richmond, a resident of Harvey, was arrested by Glenwood police on December 5, 2024. He faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated assault against a 16-year-old student, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
Richmond, who previously coached at Thornton Fractional South High School located at 18500 Burnham Ave, Lansing, IL 60438, is accused of committing the crime in March of this year. According to police reports, he picked up the student from their home under the pretense of providing a ride to a sporting event. Instead, Richmond drove to his former residence in Glenwood, where the alleged assault took place shortly after the student entered.
After the incident, Richmond returned the student to the sporting event, instructing them to remain silent about what had occurred.
In May, the victim disclosed the incident to their family, which prompted an investigation by Glenwood police. This led to Richmond's arrest later in the year.
Richmond is scheduled to appear in court on December 31. Following the allegations, a spokesperson for Thornton Fractional High School District 215 confirmed that Richmond resigned from his coaching position in June.
In the aftermath of the disturbing arrest of former high school coach Aaron J. Richmond on child sexual assault charges, many parents and guardians find themselves grappling with questions about legal recourse and victim rights. To address these concerns, we sat down with Erv Nevitt, an experienced Illinois attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. Nevitt provides valuable information on the legal options available to students sexually assaulted by a school coach, outlining potential avenues for accountability and compensation. His insights offer a roadmap for those navigating the complex intersection of criminal proceedings and civil litigation in school-related sexual abuse cases.
Editor Darla Medina: What legal rights do parents have in cases like this?
Attorney Erv Nevitt: Parents have several avenues to seek justice. They can pursue criminal charges against the abuser, but they can also file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator and potentially negligent third parties.
Medina: Who might these third parties be in a school sports context?
Nevitt: In addition to the abuser, schools, school districts, and sports organizations could be held liable if they failed in their duty to protect students. This might include negligent hiring practices, inadequate supervision, or failure to respond to previous complaints.
Medina: How would parents go about establishing negligence in such cases?
Nevitt: To prove negligence, we need to show four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In a school setting, there's a clear duty to protect students. If the school failed to conduct proper background checks or ignored warning signs, that could constitute a breach.
Medina: What advice would you give to parents in this situation?
Nevitt: Document everything, report the abuse to authorities, and seek legal counsel immediately. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, help gather evidence, and ensure your rights are protected.
The journey to healing and accountability for sexual abuse survivors and their families can be daunting, but you don't have to face it alone. Our team of compassionate and experienced attorneys is ready to stand by your side, offering unwavering support and expert legal guidance. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and the courage it takes to come forward. That's why we offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. Don't let time slip away – every moment counts in building a strong case. Reach out to us today, and take the first step towards reclaiming your power and seeking the justice you deserve. Your voice matters, and we're here to amplify it.
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