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According to LATimes, a former football player turned assistant football coach and substitute teacher has been accused of sexually abusing a female student and possessing child pornography. Long Beach Unified School District confirmed the coach worked as a substitute and assistant football coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School located at 1600 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. He Detectives are asking other potential victims to come forward.
David Vernon Price Jr., 28, was arrested on Saturday and charged with having sexual contact with a juvenile, distributing child pornography, and possessing child pornography. Authorities currently have one child victim who came forward, stating that she was a student at a school where Price worked. Price, on the other hand, is thought to target young females, and they believe there are more victims.
According to the Long Beach Unified School District, Price worked as a substitute and assistant football coach at Poly beginning in August 2022 and as a substitute teacher at Hoover Middle School between December 2022 and June 2023. Price played cornerback and safety while attending Long Beach Poly before graduating in 2013. He was drafted to play linebacker for the University of Arizona, where he spent a short time before moving to Azusa Pacific University and continuing his career there through 2018.
When the school district learned of Mr. Price's arrest, he was removed from his position as an assistant coach and substitute teacher. "Mr. Price will not be returning to LBUSD due to the pending charges against him,” said school district spokesperson Evelyn Somoza.
Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on victims. In the case of high school students, the abuse can be even more harmful, as it can interfere with their education, relationships, and mental health. We recently sat down with sexual assault attorney Jason Amala, Esq., about the legal options available to victims of sexual assault by a high school coach. Amala discusses the benefits of filing a civil lawsuit, and the factors that victims should consider when making this decision.
Darla Medina: Mr. Amala, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. In light of the recent arrest of the high school assistant coach, David Vernon Price Jr., it is important that we talk about the legal options available to victims of sexual assault by a high school coach. Can you tell me a little bit about what these options are?
Jason Amala: Sure. In general, victims of sexual assault have two options: they can file a criminal complaint or they can file a civil lawsuit. A criminal complaint is filed with the police and, if it is successful, the abuser can be prosecuted and sent to jail. A civil lawsuit is filed in court and, if it is successful, the abuser can be ordered to pay damages to the victim.
Darla Medina: What are the pros and cons of each option?
Jason Amala: The main advantage of filing a criminal complaint is that it can lead to the abuser being held accountable for their actions. However, the criminal justice system can be slow and inefficient, and it is not always successful in convicting abusers.
The main advantage of filing a civil lawsuit is that it can provide victims with compensation for their injuries, such as emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages. However, civil lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming, and they are not always successful.
Darla Medina: What factors should a victim of sexual assault consider when deciding which option is right for them?
Jason Amala: There are a number of factors that a victim should consider, such as the severity of the abuse, the likelihood of a successful prosecution, and the financial resources available to the victim. Ultimately, the decision of whether to file a criminal complaint or a civil lawsuit is a personal one that should be made in consultation with an attorney. If you have been sexually assaulted by a high school coach, please don't hesitate to get help. There are many resources available to you, and you don't have to go through this alone.
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