Oxford, PA - Luis Morales, a Teacher at Nottingham Elementary School, Accused of Sexually Assaulting Student

Elementary School Teacher Accused of Sexually Abusing Third Grade Student

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, 56-year-old Luis Morales has been charged with sexual assault on a student at Nottingham Elementary School located at 736 Garfield St, Oxford, PA 19363. 

In June 2021, the victim has come forward accusing Morales of abusing her between 2014 and 2016 while she was in third and fourth grades. Morales taught English as a second language during those times. 

Morales had left Nottingham Elementary School and was teaching in a school in the Phoenixville Area School District when the victim reported the abuse. Morales was suspended from the school the same month as the allegations were presented. 

Morales faces charges of institutional sexual assault, multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and other related offenses. He was arrested but posted bail, which was set at $350,000. 

Legal Rights of Victims Sexually Abused by a Teacher

Attorney contributor Brian Kent is an experienced sexual abuse lawyer who represents victims and their families sexually abused by a school employee. During an interview, Brian shared his knowledge on the legal rights and options of victims sexually abused by a teacher.

"We have seen sexual predators employed in schools across the country, exploiting their positions of power and trust against students. Schools are legally obligated to provide the best safety possible for their students and staff. Schools should implement certain safety measures, including misconduct reporting systems, security cameras throughout the campus, and proper background check procedures during hiring. Such measures are to ensure the safety of their students and are necessary to help prevent sexual assault from occurring within the school."

"If a school fails to provide an adequate level of safety, they could be held liable in a civil lawsuit if one of their teachers is charged with misconduct. In such cases, the school would be considered negligent. Victims and their families are highly encouraged to secure the services of an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to help determine if their case involves negligence and if they have grounds for a civil lawsuit. The victim and their family may even be entitled to monetary compensation for damages."

Sources:

The Philadelphia Inquirer