EspañolCiriaco Johnson, Former Scotts Valley Boys and Girls Club Teen Counselor, Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges and Contacting A Minor To Commit Sexual Offense
SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA (August 15, 2024) – A former Scotts Valley Boys and Girls Club teen counselor identified as Ciriaco Johnson was arrested on human trafficking charges involving young teens.
The defendant served at the club from 2019 to 2023. Ciriaco Johnson allegedly stayed in contact with several young teens after leaving the club and offered money in exchange for sexual acts and images.
He has since been charged with human trafficking of a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense. Ciriaco Johnson has since been booked into a Santa Cruz County jail.
A full investigation into all of the allegations remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Santa Cruz County Child Sex Abuse
The Boys and Girls Club has been plagued by numerous lawsuits involving accusations of child sexual abuse. According to the Connecticut Post, “With the new filings, Hearst’s investigation has so far uncovered 351 victims in 35 states who are alleged in criminal or civil court documents to have been sexually abused as children by employees, volunteers and other members of the clubs.” Victims have made numerous claims about their experiences.
- Failure to Protect Children: Many lawsuits claim that the Boys and Girls Club failed to implement and enforce policies to protect children from sexual abuse.
- Negligent Hiring and Supervision: Some lawsuits have claimed that the Boys and Girls Club has hired individuals with a history of inappropriate behavior and failed to supervise employees.
- Cover Ups: Victims have alleged that the Boys and Girls Club has ignored or covered up reports of sexual abuse.
Depending on the facts of any case, organizations like the Boys and Girls Club could be liable for the sexual abuse of children in their care. Many sexual abuse lawsuits against organizations are based on the legal theory that the abusers were negligently hired and retained. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in a negligent retention case.
- The worker was unfit for their job or posed an unreasonable danger to clients.
- The worker’s employer knew or should have known about the danger that the worker posed.
- The unfit nature of the worker caused harm to the victim.
- The company’s negligent hiring or retention was a substantial factor in causing the harm.
Sexual abuse within organizations is nearly always preventable. Abuse tends to thrive when there isn’t proper oversight and accountability. In many situations, leaders know that certain people pose a danger to children, but they fail to act all the same. Any person who is sexually abused at the Boys and Girls Club may have legal recourse 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 Boys and Girls Club Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations being made against Ciriaco Johnson. Any person who may have more information about what took place should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by someone who worked at the Boys and Girls Club? You may have legal recourse. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. 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.
