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According to 7News, a staff member at Heritage High School, located at 520 Evergreen Mills Rd SE, Leesburg, VA 20175, has been suspended without pay after being charged with a felony. The news came to light through an email sent by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) to parents, informing them about the incident involving William Cody Smallwood.
According to the email, Mr. Smallwood, who has been on administrative leave since the end of August, will face suspension without pay due to the felony charges. It is crucial to note that these charges do not relate to any activities at Heritage High School, as clarified in the communication.
Court records reveal that Smallwood was taken into custody on April 5, 2024, with the alleged offense occurring during the summer. The nature of the charges is deeply concerning, as Smallwood stands accused of proposing sex acts to a minor using a communication system. The details emerged from an official letter sent by Heritage High School Principal Jeff Adam to the community on Tuesday evening.
LCPS officials disclosed that investigators from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office initially contacted the school in August 2023, alerting them about Smallwood's involvement in an ongoing criminal investigation. Consequently, Smallwood was placed on leave at that time, pending further developments.
The letter from Principal Adam emphasized LCPS's cooperation with the investigation, leading to Smallwood's subsequent arrest on April 5, 2024. Following this arrest, his administrative leave status was updated to unpaid.
The indictment specifies that between July 6, 2023, and July 11, 2023, in Frederick County, Virginia, Smallwood, who was over 18 years old, allegedly used various communication systems, including computers and electronic means, to solicit a person he believed to be a child under the age of fifteen. The indictment further accuses him of intentionally enticing, alluring, persuading, or inviting the child to enter a location with the purpose of exposing his sexual or genital parts to the minor.
A court hearing for Smallwood's case was scheduled for April 11, 2024, at which the full details of the charges against him would be presented, and further legal proceedings would take place.
In response to the arrest of the school staff member, we spoke with Kevin Biniazan, Esq., an experienced Virginia sex abuse lawyer, to better understand the legal rights available to victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by high school staff members. Join us as we explore the steps survivors can take to seek justice and hold negligent schools accountable for their actions.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Welcome, Mr. Biniazan. In light of the recent incident involving a high school staff member, could you shed some light on the legal rights available to victims of sexual abuse?
Attorney Kevin Biniazan (KB): Thank you, Darla. It's important to emphasize that victims of sexual abuse, particularly in the context of a school setting, have legal options to seek justice. Repeat offenses among predators are regrettably not uncommon. Civil claims can help to prevent this pattern by holding both the perpetrator and the institution responsible in these cases.
DM: How can victims hold schools accountable for negligence in these situations?
KB: Victims can hold schools accountable by filing lawsuits based on various legal theories, such as negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to protect students from known risks. It is crucial to establish that the school knew or should have known about the staff member's dangerous propensities or misconduct and failed to take appropriate action.
DM: What advice would you give to victims who may be hesitant to come forward?
KB: It takes great courage to come forward and speak out about such traumatic experiences. My advice is to reach out to a trusted attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases. They can provide guidance and support and help navigate the legal process while protecting the victim's rights and privacy.
DM: Thank you for your valuable insights, Mr. Biniazan. Is there anything else you would like to add?
KB: I would like to stress the importance of breaking the silence surrounding sexual abuse. By speaking up, victims not only empower themselves but also contribute to a safer environment for others. Seeking legal assistance can be a vital step towards healing and holding accountable those responsible for the harm inflicted.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse by a high school staff member, remember that you are not alone in your fight for justice. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is here to support you every step of the way. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, provide guidance, and explore the legal options available to you. Your voice matters, and we are committed to helping you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your confidential and no-obligation consultation.
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