According to Click 2 Houston, sexual assault charges have been brought against a former Montgomery County custodian who worked at Magnolia West High School at 42202 FM 1774, Magnolia, TX 77354.
On July 28, 2022, Jeffrey Hitchcock was arrested anD charged with sexual abuse. The report stated that the abuse began in 2005 and continued until 2014. The three victims were under the age of 5 years old, with one reportedly mentally disabled. The children were lured into the trailer where Hitchcock lived and provided with Cheetos and beer before he sexually abused them. One of the victims told a classmate that there was another man with Hitchcock that would also commit the abuse.
Hitchcock was fired from his position at Magnolia West High School as a custodian due to inappropriate contact with a student. He allegedly made inappropriate comments to a 16-year-old girl, inquiring when she would stay alone after school. On one occasion, he was witnessed by several, including a resource officer, hugging the girl. Hitchcock is facing a first-degree felony charge of continuously sexually abusing children.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam works for a Texas school Sexual abuse law firm. He helps seek justice for victims of sex abuse in civil lawsuits. As an experienced school sexual abuse attorney, Anjali recently shared the legal rights available for victims of sexual abuse.
"When a school employee, such as a custodian, is charged with sexually abusing minors, it is important to investigate if there were additional victims. Too often, predators seek out positions within a school to exploit vulnerable children."
"In light of this, student safety on a school campus should be the main priority for school administration and school districts. By law, schools must maintain a high level of security for the safety of their students. School safety could include security cameras and patrolling resource officers. However, each employee should undergo an extensive background check. If a school neglects these safety precautions, it can be deemed negligent and held accountably."
"Additionally, when a school employee has a history of misconduct, it is the responsibility of the school to report such instances for a full investigation. Victims abused by a school employee may have reasons to file a lawsuit against a school or its district if they are found to have failed to prevent abuse. To better understand the legal options available, victims should consult with an experienced school sexual abuse attorney."