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The Carrillo Law Firm Represents Two Families of Students Sexually Abused By Former Sherman Oaks Middle School Teacher Kareem Spann
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (June 13, 2023) – Kareem Spann, a former teacher at Louis Armstrong Middle School in Sherman Oaks, has been arrested for allegedly molesting two students.
Los Angeles Police Department detectives said that they received multiple reports from students about a teacher who was allegedly having an ongoing inappropriate relationship with minor students. Kareem Spann was arrested and is being charged with one felony count of lewd acts with a minor.
The former Louis Armstrong Middle School teacher is also facing a misdemeanor count of child molesting. Detectives said that the defendant taught 8th grade at the school.
Kareem Spann allegedly began having inappropriate communication with a minor student in April. This led to grooming which then led to inappropriate and unlawful touching. The defendant’s next court date is set for June 21.
According to L.A. District Attorney George Gascon, “Children deserve to feel safe and secure in their environment, and it is the responsibility of adults to protect them from any form of abuse or exploitation. These types of crimes against vulnerable students are sickening and a violation of trust.”
Liability For Child Sexual Abuse Involving School Teachers
Schools are supposed to be places of learning, safety and growth for children. But in far too many situations, they harbor child predators intent on grooming and abusing innocent kids. According to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, there were roughly 13,799 incidents of sexual violence in the 2017 – 2018 school year. The vast majority of cases go completely unreported. There are a number of steps that schools can take to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse.
- Schools should understand factors that lead to victimization and predation.
- Schools should thoroughly vet all prospective employees.
- Schools should thoroughly investigate all suspected instances of sexual misconduct.
Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. The touching does not need to be on bare skin. Any person that sexually abuses a child could be subject to both criminal and civil liability for their actions. Liability for child sex abuse involving a teacher could also extent to a school or school district.
Schools have a a legal obligation to take good care of the students in their custody. Consider, for example, Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” When a school fails to adequately supervise children who are abused, that school could be liable for the abuse. Victims of child sexual abuse are at a greater risk of suffering from very serious physical and psychological injuries including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal Ideations
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Teachers hold a respected status in our society. This is one of the reasons abuses by teachers can be particularly egregious. After any instance of child sexual abuse in a school, it is important that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. This includes both the perpetrator and the school district that may have failed to take adequate measures to protect the victims. Any person that has been sexually abused by a school teacher may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims At Louis Armstrong Middle School
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP are representing two of the families with students abused by Kareem Spann. We are committed to getting them justice and holding all responsible parties accountable. If you have more information about this case or the actions of the defendant we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Have you or someone that you love been sexually abused by a school teacher at Louis Armstrong Middle School in Sherman Oaks? Our team of highly experienced teacher sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that their abusers are held responsible. 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.
