Tuolumne, CA - Former Coach at Mother Lode Christian Accused of Sexually Assaulting Students

Former Mother Lode Christian Coach Accused of Sexually Assaulting Female Students

A coach who formerly worked at Mother Lode Christian has been accused of sexually abusing female student-athletes in the 1990s, according to ABC 10.

Mona McGrady has not worked at Mother Lode for nearly two decades. During her time there, she was both the sports team coordinator and a coach at the school. Students who had McGrady as a coach came forward with allegations of sexual assault. The details of these assaults have not been released.

McGrady faces one count of sexual penetration with a foreign object of a person under 18-years-old and 13 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child 14 or 15 years old. In court, McGrady testified denying all allegations.

Legal Options for Victims Sexually Assaulted by a School Employee

Attorney Commentator Bobby Thompson, an experienced sexual abuse lawyer, licensed in California, represents sexual assault victims. We asked Bobby to highlight the legal rights of victims sexually abused at school or by a school employee.

“Schools and administration have a legal obligation to protect their students. Unfortunately, often predators place themselves in positions of power, such as working as a teacher or coach to get close to students. The school must do its best to prevent these predators from working in their schools to protect their students. An example of safety precaution is security cameras in hallways, classrooms, and auditoriums. Other examples include an easy reporting system and background checks.”

Can a school be held liable for sexual assaults by employees?

Victims of sexual abuse should know a school may be considered liable if there was apparent negligence. For example, if schools do not have proper safety measures in place or overlook previous misconduct reports. If the victim believes their school was negligent, they should contact an experienced lawyer to discuss their legal rights. Suppose their lawyer can prove the sexual abuse solely occurred due to the school’s negligence. In that case, the victim and their family may receive compensation for damages through a civil lawsuit.”

Sources:

http://www.abc10.com/article/news/crime/accused-of-child-sex-abuse-former-christian-school-coach-turns-self-in/103-69295170-d138-4937-a309-3b4988187e74