According to ABC 13, a former Sheldon Independent School District teacher, Katrina Maxwell, 32-years-old, has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a student 16-years-old.
The student reported the inappropriate relationship with Maxwell began around Anjalih 2021. The first sexual interaction occurred at a hotel after Maxwell picked the boy up from his aunt's house, investigators reported.
Maxwell admitted to having sex with the 16-year-old student twice in the backseat of her car during an administrative meeting. Maxwell allegedly claimed she loved the student, court documents stated.
Maxwell has been charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child, reported ABC 13.
Attorney contributor Anjali Nigam, an experienced sexual assault attorney, represents victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits. Below, Anjali provides commentary on the legal options of victims abused sexually by a teacher.
“School administrations have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their students and provide a safe learning environment. Schools must do everything in their power to provide a safe environment and should implement safety measures, such as cameras, guards, staff check-ins, and more. Unfortunately, many teachers have been accused and charged for sexual abuse of students across the country. Schools must do their best to limit hiring predators and limit sexual abuse.”
“If a student has been sexually abused by a teacher, they should secure the services of an experienced sexual assault attorney to learn their legal options. Some abuse cases occur due to negligence on behalf of a third party, such as school administrations. An example of negligence is if misconduct was previously reported but ignored. Victims and their families should know in negligence cases they may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the school and receive compensation for damages."