Stuart, FL - Martin County High School Security Guard & Coach, Alton Lee Edwards, Accused of Paying Minor Students for Nude Pictures

HS Security Guard, Coach Arrested for Soliciting Nude Picture of Minors

WFTV reported that a school employee was arrested for paying for nude photographs from students at Martin County High School located at 2801 S Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994.

Martin County Sheriff's Office officials identified seven victims after an anonymous tip claimed 27-year-old Alton Lee Edwards was paying students to send him nude photos. Edwards was employed as a security guard and part-time basketball coach at the South Florida high school, was arrested Friday. Detectives revealed the school employee would pay between $10 and $75 for girls 15 to 16 years old to send them nude pictures via Snapchat. They found that a group of students at the school were aware of this. 

Edwards is facing seven counts of online solicitation of a minor. According to officials at the school, he has been reassigned to a position without contact to children. 

Can I Sue For Being Sexually Abused At School?

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard often represents victims of school sex abuse in civil lawsuits. As a lawyer for students sexually abused by high school employees, Michael shared some information pertaining to filing a civil lawsuit for school sexual abuse.

"Student safety should always be the number one priority for high schools. They are legally responsible for providing a safe environment for the students in their care. A school safety plan may include conducting background checks and having a reasonable reporting procedure. There have been many cases of school employees charged with abusing and exploiting their students. If a school neglects to implement proper safety measures designed to minimize the risk of abuse, it may be held liable in a civil lawsuit. There are legal options available for victims of sexual abuse and exploitation."

"Criminal charges can be brought against the perpetrator by filing a report with law enforcement. There may be more than one option available for victims. If the school neglected its security, an attorney may seek to prove the abuse wouldn't have happened otherwise. If the school or school district failed to conduct a background check on an employee, the victim may be able to file a private civil lawsuit against the school or district based on negligence. School sexual abuse victims should consult with a school sexual abuse attorney to learn about their legal rights. School sexual abuse includes both physical and non-physical behaviors, which the attorney will explain. Furthermore they are able to inform victims and their families of any statute of limitations that might prevent a lawsuit from being filed."

Sources:

WFTV