Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
According to the Baltimore Sun, 38-year-old Carlos Arroyo was taken into custody on Friday June 21, 2024, by the Baltimore County Police Department's Crimes Against Children Unit. He faces two felony charges: sexual abuse of a minor and a sexual offense in the third degree. Misdemeanor charges include second-degree assault and a fourth-degree sex offense by a person in a position of authority. Arroyo was a social studies teacher and soccer coach at Randallstown High School, located at 4000 Offutt Rd, Randallstown, MD 21133.
The police department stated that they were notified of the alleged assault in late April, after which detectives spent weeks conducting interviews and gathering evidence. Arroyo is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center and is scheduled to have a bail and bond review hearing on Monday.
In a letter to the school community, Randallstown High School Principal Michael Jones expressed his deep concern, stating, "These charges are deeply troubling. We hold our employees to a high standard of character and this behavior is completely unacceptable." Arroyo has been placed on administrative leave and will have "no further access to the school or soccer team."
Arroyo has been employed by Baltimore County Public Schools since May 2022 and joined Randallstown High School in August 2022. According to his LinkedIn profile, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2012 and a master's in teaching from Towson University in 2022.
The Baltimore County Police Department and the county's Department of Social Services are urging anyone with information or potential victims to come forward.
In the wake of the disturbing news that a teacher at Randallstown High School has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor, we sat down with Aaron Blank, an experienced Maryland school sex abuse lawyer, to discuss the legal rights available for victims and how negligent parties can be held responsible. Blank provided valuable insights on the steps victims and their families can take to seek justice and ensure such abuses do not happen again.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Blank. As a child sexual abuse attorney, what can you tell us about the legal options available for victims in a case like this Randallstown High School incident?
Attorney Aaron Blank (AB): Well, Darla, in cases of sexual abuse by a teacher or coach, the victims and their families have several legal avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they can file criminal charges against the perpetrator. This can result in serious penalties, including jail time, if the individual is convicted.
Additionally, the victims may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit, not only against the perpetrator but also against the school district and other responsible parties. Schools have a duty to protect students from harm, and if they fail to do so, they can be held accountable. This could involve claims of negligent hiring, inadequate supervision, or a failure to report known or suspected abuse.
DM: Can you elaborate on how a civil lawsuit could hold the school district responsible in a case involving teacher sexual misconduct?
AB: Absolutely. Schools are required to conduct thorough background checks on all employees, especially those who will be working closely with minors. If the school district failed to properly vet this teacher or was aware of any prior misconduct and still allowed him to work at the school, they could be liable.
Additionally, schools must have robust protocols in place to identify and report any suspected abuse. If the school was informed of the alleged assault and did not immediately notify the authorities and take appropriate action, they could face liability for further harm that occurred as a result of their inaction.
DM: What advice would you give to parents or victims who may be considering legal action in a case like this?
AB: My advice would be to act quickly. In these types of cases, time is of the essence. Victims and their families should reach out to an experienced child sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible to understand their rights and options. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal system, ensure all evidence is properly preserved, and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable.
It's also important for victims to seek support services, such as counseling, to help them through this traumatic experience. No one should have to face the aftermath of sexual abuse alone.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Blank, for providing this valuable insight. It's clear that victims in cases like this Randallstown High School incident have legal recourse to seek justice and hold both the perpetrator and the school district accountable.
AB: You're very welcome, Darla. These types of cases are difficult, but it's crucial that victims know they have rights and that there are experienced attorneys ready to fight for them. My hope is that this interview will encourage anyone affected by this situation to seek the support and legal representation they deserve.
For victims of sexual abuse by teachers, coaches, or other school personnel, time is of the essence. If you or a loved one have been affected by such a traumatic experience, we urge you to reach out to an experienced child sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your rights, ensure critical evidence is preserved, and fight to hold all responsible parties accountable - whether it's the perpetrator, the school district, or others who failed in their duty to protect you.
Remember, you do not have to face this alone. Our team of compassionate and dedicated attorneys is here to provide the support and legal representation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you seek the justice and healing you deserve.
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