Thornton, CO - Former Horizon High School Paraeducator Michel Flynn Charged with Sexually Abusing Special Needs Student

Adams 12 Five Star Schools Employee Charged with Sexual Abuse

A former paraeducator specialist at Horizon High School has been charged with sexually abusing a 17-year-old special needs student. 46-year-old Michel Flynn faces one count of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust.

According to prosecutors, the alleged abuse happened between December 26, 2018 and February 22, 2019. There have been few details released at this time.

The school district learned of a police investigation on February 25 and Flynn was placed on administrative leave. She resigned from her position on March 4.

Flynn had been employed by Adams 12 Five Star Schools since August 2017 and began working at Horizon High School in December 2017. She previously worked as a substitute teacher before being hired at Horizon.

Flynn was arrested in Central Point, Oregon on Monday. She is currently awaiting a hearing which will decide if she will be extradited back to Colorado.

Legal Recourse for Survivors of Sexual Assault by Teachers and School Employees

Attorney contributor Dan Lipman represents survivors of sexual violence in civil lawsuits, helping them find justice. Here is some insight from Dan on the legal options available to school sex abuse survivors and their families:

Sexual abuse is a widespread problem in our education system. According to a study by the Association of University Women, approximately 1 in 10 children are sexually abused between kindergarten and high school graduation. Sexual predators often seek out positions in education and other fields that involve working with kids. Our schools have a responsibility to be aware of the threat these predators pose and do all that they can to keep their students safe.

In some cases of sexual abuse by school employees, the abuse could have been prevented if it weren't for negligence on the part of the school district. Some common forms of negligence in these cases include:

• Administrators ignoring reports of sexual misconduct
• Hiring an employee without first running a background check
• Failing to report abuse allegations to the authorities

When school district negligence plays a role in enabling the abuse of students, the victims and their families may have grounds for a lawsuit. If your family is in this tragic situation, you can learn more about your options for justice by speaking with an experienced sexual abuse survivors lawyer.