Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Sean Brooks, a health teacher at Perry Hall High, charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse of minors, according to WMAR.
Charging documents have unveiled troubling allegations against Sean Brooks, a health instructor at Perry Hall High School located at 4601 Ebenezer Rd, Nottingham, MD 21236, accused of inappropriate conduct and sexual abuse involving students. Brooks now faces multiple charges related to these claims.
Investigators report that Brooks assigned a task to his ninth-grade students, asking them to write about personal struggles. Several students revealed issues involving their fathers in these assignments. According to the documents, Brooks used this personal information to initiate private discussions with his victims under the guise of offering support.
The first victim recounted that her interactions with Brooks began during her freshman and sophomore years, during which he would meet with her one-on-one to talk about her family challenges. By her junior year, when she was 16, these interactions escalated into inappropriate and sexual behavior. She alleged that Brooks made inappropriate remarks, including suggesting she become a porn star and offering to act as her manager. Furthermore, she described instances where he would touch her thigh inappropriately during their meetings.
The documents also highlight another incident where Brooks allegedly shared anonymous health questions from a classroom dropbox with the victim in a private setting. During this interaction, he reportedly made crude gestures and comments, which investigators noted as deeply concerning.
A second victim shared a similar timeline, stating that her interactions with Brooks also began after she wrote about difficulties with her father in the same assignment. By her junior year, she said Brooks began crossing boundaries, taking her into private rooms under the pretense of helping her. She described feeling unable to leave these situations, during which Brooks would kiss her forehead, offer prolonged hugs, and whisper comments about her appearance, calling her “beautiful” and “perfect.”
On May 28, Perry Hall High School’s principal provided detectives with folders containing assignments and writings from Brooks. Among the materials were documents with alternate names for body parts and sexual terms that, according to the principal, were not part of the approved health curriculum. The discovery has added to the growing list of concerns about Brooks’ conduct.
Authorities continue to investigate the allegations, and the case has sparked outrage among parents and community members. Perry Hall High School has not yet released a statement addressing the charges. Brooks’ legal team has not commented on the matter at this time.
The charges against Brooks have raised serious questions about safeguarding practices and the level of trust placed in educators. Investigators are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
When allegations of sexual abuse emerge against trusted educators, victims and their families often face uncertainty about how to move forward. To provide clarity, Maryland sexual abuse attorney Aaron Blank breaks down the legal options available for those sexually abused by a health teacher, explaining the steps victims can take to seek accountability and support in the aftermath of such violations.
Editor Darla Medina: Given the allegations against Sean Brooks, what legal avenues are available for students who may have been victimized by a teacher?
Attorney Aaron Blank: Victims of sexual abuse by educators have several legal options. They can file criminal charges, which would be handled by the state’s attorney, as we’re seeing in this case. This ensures the perpetrator faces criminal consequences. Separately, victims and their families may also pursue civil lawsuits to seek compensation for the emotional and psychological harm caused.
Medina: How does the civil process differ from the criminal one?
Blank: The criminal process is focused on punishing the offender, protecting the public, and ensuring justice under the law. Civil cases, on the other hand, are about holding the perpetrator—and sometimes the school system—accountable for the harm caused. For example, if there’s evidence suggesting the school failed to act on warning signs or neglected its duty to protect students, the district could also be named in a lawsuit.
Medina: What kind of evidence strengthens a civil case?
Blank: Strong evidence includes documented patterns of inappropriate behavior, witness testimony, and any failure by the school to address complaints or suspicions. In this case, the reported assignments and folders provided to investigators could play a significant role, especially if they demonstrate that boundaries were repeatedly crossed.
Medina: For families uncertain about coming forward, what would you say to encourage them?
Blank: It’s understandable that victims and families feel apprehensive, but coming forward is a critical step in holding offenders accountable and preventing further harm. There are legal protections in place to ensure victims’ privacy and safety during the process. Consulting with a trusted attorney can help families understand their rights and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
If your child has experienced sexual abuse by a teacher, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Understanding your legal options is an important step in holding offenders accountable and protecting your family’s future. Our team is here to offer compassionate guidance and help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us support you every step of the way.
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