According to ABC 6, a Chester County custodian has been charged with sexually abusing at least two girls at Valley Forge Middle School located at 105 W Walker Rd, Wayne, PA 19087.
On April 14, 2022, a mother of a 14-year-old female student discovered text messages, sexual in nature, between her daughter and 23-year-old Rushon Drayton. The mother reported her findings to the police, who quickly began to investigate. The 8th grader told the police that he often gave out candy to the kids and asked for her number. She admitted that they texted and would FaceTime each other.
During the investigation, the police were able to find an additional female student, a 15-year-old, who also claimed that she was given gifts and exchanged sexual images and videos with Drayton.
Drayton has been employed at the school as a custodian for the middle school since 2017. He was arrested and is charged with unlawful contact with a minor, solicitation to commit statutory sexual assault, indecent assault, and other related crimes. The school reported that he has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea fights for justice for victims of sex abuse in civil lawsuits. As an experienced school sexual abuse attorney, Brian recently discussed when victims could file lawsuits when sexually abused by school employees, such as custodians or janitors.
"Student safety on a school campus should be the main priority for school administration and school districts. According to the law, they must maintain a high level of security for the safety of both their students and staff. School districts should enforce a safety process that includes security cameras throughout the campus, patrolling security officers, and extensive background checks for all school employees. When a school district or its administration neglects these safety precautions, it can be deemed negligent and held responsible."
"When a school employee, such as a janitor, is allowed to remain employed despite reports of misconduct, the school district may be held liable. Victims sexually abused by a school employee may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the negligent school or its district. To better understand the legal options available for school sex abuse victims, they should consult with an experienced school sexual abuse attorney."