Van Nuys, CA - Van Nuys High School Athletic Trainer, Richard Alexander Turner, Accused of Sexually Assaulting at Least 10 Students

H.S. Athletic Trainer Arrested For Sexually Assaulting Teen Girls

The Los Angeles Times has reported that an athletic trainer has been arrested for sexually assaulting multiple female students from two Los Angeles high schools:

• Van Nuys High School is located at 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411
• Birmingham Community Charter High School is located at 17000 Haynes St, Van Nuys, CA 91406

Richard Alexander Turner, 64, was charged Tuesday, September 27, 2022, with sex-related counts involving ten teenage girls. Turner worked for the two San Fernando Valley high schools as an athletic trainer. He was arrested the previous week after a BCCHS student reported that he touched her inappropriately. After police released his name to the public, nine other victims contacted them with their stories. The victims were between the ages of 15 and 17 and were receiving treatment for injuries from sports. Several of the victims even claimed that Turner became violent with them. Six of the ten assaults occurred this year between May and September, but some date back to 2017. 

One Van Nuys High School student reported the abuse to the police in 2017 but a lack of sufficient evidence prevented charges from being filed. The Los Angeles Unified School District was made aware of the allegations at that time. 

Filing Lawsuits For Victims Sexually Assaulted By an Athletic Trainer

Attorney contributor Bobby Thompson is an experienced school sexual assault lawyer representing victims in California. Bobby discussed some of the legal options available to victims sexually assaulted by an athletic trainer.  

"High schools have an obligation to protect their students from dangers such as school sexual abuse. Unfortunately, there has been a rapid increase in reports of coaches and athletic trainers sexually abusing their students. Predators seek positions of trust and power within athletic programs to exploit vulnerable victims. Athletic programs and high schools must provide proper security precautions. These often include background checks and security surveillance systems, but having a protocol for reporting can help to reduce these risks."

"Sex abuse within a high school athletic program is often due to the school's negligence. When a school fails to follow up on known allegations of abuse, it could be deemed liable. School sex abuse victims and their families can often file a civil lawsuit against a negligent school or school district. They should speak with an experienced school sexual abuse lawyer to explore their legal options fully."

Sources:

Los Angeles Times