Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
A former Wilcox County teacher has been arrested on sexual exploitation charges, according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
34-year-old Lorenzo Dennard of Atkinson County is facing 77 counts of sexual exploitation of children, three counts of electronically furnishing obscene material to a minor, and one count of improper sexual contact by an employee. The charges stem from an investigation launched on Friday, July 19, 2024, after the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the GBI regarding allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Dennard and a former student.
Dennard was booked at the Wilcox County Jail and has since been released on bond. The GBI is encouraging anyone with information about this case to contact the Wilcox County Sheriff's Office at 229-467-2322 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at the GBI's website or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be turned over to the Crisp Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
In the wake of the disturbing charges against former Wilcox County teacher Lorenzo Dennard, we sat down with experienced Georgia school sexual abuse lawyer John Bey to discuss the legal options available to victims in these types of cases. Bey provided valuable guidance on holding both the perpetrator and negligent institutions accountable, as well as the critical importance of providing victims with the support and resources they need to begin the healing process.
Darla Medina, Editor: Thanks for joining us.
John Bey, Child Sex Abuse Attorney: Thank you for having me. Cases like this are sadly all too common, where a teacher abuses their position of trust and authority to exploit a student. The victims in these situations have very clear legal rights, including the ability to seek damages from the teacher as well as the school district for failing to properly vet, train, and supervise their employees.
School sex abuse victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for the emotional trauma, mental anguish, and violation of trust they've endured. Schools also have a duty to maintain a safe environment for students, so if they were aware of concerns about this teacher and did not take appropriate action, they can be held liable as well.
DM: That's very helpful information. For anyone impacted by this case or similar situations, what would be the first steps you'd recommend they take?
JB: The first step would be to consult with an attorney who specializes in school sexual abuse cases. They can review the specifics, advise on the victims' rights and legal options, and begin building a case. It's also crucial that the victims receive appropriate counseling and support services to address the trauma they've experienced. My firm can assist with connecting them to those resources as well.
Time is of the essence, as there are statutes of limitation that vary by state. So I'd encourage anyone affected to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights and ensure they have the best chance of achieving justice and accountability.
DM: Thank you for providing that valuable information. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss this important issue with us.
JB: My pleasure. I'm happy to help shed light on this difficult topic and ensure the victims in cases like this know they have strong legal recourse available.
DM: That's very helpful insight, John. For anyone impacted by this case or similar situations, what would be the first steps you'd recommend they take?
JB: The first step would be to consult with an attorney who specializes in school sexual abuse cases. They can review the specifics, advise on the victims' rights and legal options, and begin building a case. It's also crucial that the victims receive appropriate counseling and support services to address the trauma they've experienced. My firm can assist with connecting them to those resources as well.
Time is of the essence, as there are statutes of limitation that vary by state. So I'd encourage anyone affected to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights and ensure they have the best chance of achieving justice and accountability.
DM: Thank you, John, for providing that valuable information. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss this important issue with us.
JB: My pleasure. I'm happy to help shed light on this difficult topic and ensure the victims in cases like this know they have strong legal recourse available.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse by an educator, it's crucial that you take action to protect your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys have extensive experience navigating these complex cases and can provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
Our team offers free, confidential consultations to review your case and discuss the legal options available to you. Don't hesitate to reach out - contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards accountability and healing.
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