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The Washington Post reported that a former security guard at a middle school in Georgetown, Washington D.C., has been charged with sexually abusing a student seven years ago. The victim said the abuse occurred when she was in the eighth grade at Hardy Middle School, located at 1819 35th St NW, Washington, DC 20007. According to police and court documents, the victim, who is now 21 years old, reported the allegations to authorities on January 28, 2024.
The security guard has been identified as 30-year-old Shaquille Rashaun Jones, a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Jones, who worked at Hardy Middle School has been charged with two counts of first-degree child sex abuse. The arrest was made on Friday, February 16, 2024, and Jones was subsequently released by a judge, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 7. It is unclear at this time whether Jones has legal representation.
The arrest affidavit reveals that the victim informed the police that Jones began working at the school when she was in the eighth grade, around the age of 13. The abuse allegedly took place between March 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017, when the victim was 14 years old and Jones was 24. The victim stated that Jones developed a friendly relationship with her, offered her "extra attention," and even drove her home from school.
According to the affidavit, the victim claimed that she would regularly meet Jones in his vehicle in the school parking lot, where the sexual abuse occurred. On one occasion, she alleged that Jones drove her to a parking lot for tennis courts in Rock Creek Park, where further abuse took place.
The victim also mentioned that she continued to communicate with Jones after leaving middle school but eventually demanded that he cease contact. In a disturbing revelation, she informed the police that she encountered Jones at a high school event, where he was working as extra security. The affidavit states that Jones was observed watching her from an elevated section of the auditorium.
As evidence, the victim provided law enforcement with images of message exchanges between her and Jones on Instagram.
The D.C. Police Department issued a news release acknowledging the arrest; however, they did not initially disclose the connection between the accused and the school. It remains unclear whether the school administration was aware of the alleged abuse at the time or if any action was taken.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
In light of the recent disturbing case of a former D.C. middle school security guard charged with sexually abusing a student, we have invited Child Abuse Attorney Laurence Banville, an experienced Washington, DC sexual abuse lawyer, to shed light on what victims of such abuse can do in terms of pursuing civil cases against those responsible.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Mr. Banville.
Attorney Laurence Banville (LB): Thank you for having me, Darla. It's important to address the legal options available to victims of child sexual abuse.
DM: Absolutely. In cases like these, what are the potential avenues for victims to seek justice through civil cases?
LB: Victims of child sexual abuse by school staff, such as security guards, may have the option to pursue civil cases against various liable parties. Typically, this includes the school itself, administrators, supervisors, and even the individual perpetrator. These cases fall under the umbrella of premises liability and negligence, where the school has a duty to provide a safe environment for its students.
DM: How can victims establish liability in such cases?
LB: It's crucial to prove that the school or its staff had knowledge or should have reasonably known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action to prevent it. This can involve demonstrating a lack of proper background checks during the hiring process, inadequate supervision, or negligence in responding to reports or complaints of abuse.
DM: What are some potential outcomes for victims pursuing civil cases?
LB: Successful civil cases can result in financial compensation for victims, which can help cover medical expenses, therapy costs, and other damages resulting from the abuse. Additionally, these cases can bring about systemic changes within the school or educational institution, ensuring better protection for students in the future.
DM: Are there any time limitations for victims to bring forward civil cases?
LB: Yes, there are statutes of limitations that vary by state and jurisdiction. It's crucial for victims to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand their rights and any time constraints they may face.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Banville, for providing valuable insights into the legal options available to victims of child sexual abuse. We appreciate your time and expertise.
LB: Thank you, Darla. It's important to empower victims and hold accountable those responsible for their suffering.
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