EspañolAaron Raya, Orange County Track and Field Coach and Substitute Teacher At Godinez High School, Charged With Contacting Former Students In Order To Commit Sex Crimes
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA (July 16, 2024) – An Orange County track and field coach identified as Aaron Raya has been arrested for allegedly contacting former students for sexual purposes.
Santa Ana Police Department officials announced the charges on Monday. The police department said that a mother found inappropriate text messages between her underage daughter and Aaron Raya.
An investigation was then conducted. Police officials believe that the suspect was using social media to contact students in a sexual manner after graduation.
Young victims allege that the suspect made sexual advances towards them. Aaron Raya has since been taken into custody and was booked into the Orange County Jail.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Orange County Child Sexual Abuse
According to one report by the U.S. Department of Education, around 10% of students experience sexual misconduct by teachers during their K-12 school experience. Not every offender is a teacher. They could also be a coach, counselor, janitor, or principal. Students may be particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse involving coaches. Coaches spend more time with students, and coaching often involves physical contact by nature. Schools should be aware of the signs that a student is being sexually abused.
- Abused students may withdraw.
- Abused students may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- Abused students may experience anxiety or depression.
- Abused students may refrain from being touched.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from sexual abuse and other foreseeable sources of harm. Schools must properly monitor students throughout the day. As outlined in Virginia G. v. ABC Unified School District (1993) 15 Cal.App.4th 1848, schools can be liable for the sexual assault of a student if teachers knew (or should have known) about that teacher’s history of sexual abuse and failed to act. Schools should take a number of measures in order to protect students.
- All school employees should undergo background checks.
- All schools should develop and enforce clear codes of conduct.
- All schools should report reasonably suspected instances of abuse.
The vast majority of the sexual abuse that takes place in a school setting is preventable. It tends to involve schools that are not following safety protocols. In far too many instances, school officials were indifferent to clear signs of abuse. Any person sexually abused by school officials may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Orange County Student Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations against Aaron Raya. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. The Santa Ana Unified School District needs to consider additional measures in order to protect the students in their care.
Have you or someone that you care about been impacted by sexual abuse in Orange County? Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse get the support and justice they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
