EspañolVisalia High School Teacher Jeffrey Eastman Arrested on Suspicion of Committing Lewd Acts With Teenage Girl At Redwood High School
VISALIA, CALIFORNIA (May 9, 2024) – A Redwood High School teacher identified as Jeffrey Eastman was arrested on suspicion of inappropriately touching a teenage girl at the school.
Tulare County officials are saying that the teacher was arrested on Thursday. Jeffrey Eastman was placed on administrative leave after the allegations.
He has since been taken to the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility. Jeffrey Eastman was booked on suspicion of lewd acts with a child, sexual battery, and molesting a child.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Visalia Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse remains alarmingly common in schools across the United States. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, “In 2021, 11% of high school students were forced by anyone to do sexual things (including kissing, touching, or being physically forced to have sexual intercourse) when they did not want to during the past year (p. 55).” Schools should take a number of measures in order to prevent sexual abuse.
- All school officials should undergo background checks.
- Schools should understand the factors that lead to sexual victimization and predation.
- Schools should work closely with law enforcement following abuse allegations.
All schools have a legal obligation to protect the students in their care. They must enforce all rules and regulations necessary for keeping children safe. This includes closely monitoring children during school hours and officially sanctioned school events. 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. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The history of misconduct allegations against the perpetrator should be understood.
- Medical records related to the assault should be preserved.
- An experienced teacher sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Teachers are mandated reporters and must report all reasonably suspected instances of sexual misconduct. But far too often, this does not take place. Teachers and other faculty are worried about what might happen to them if they speak out. It is important for victims of sexual abuse to understand that they do have rights. Any person who is sexually abused by a teacher may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A teacher sexual abuse attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Abuse At Redwood High School
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about the allegations being made against Jeffrey Eastman. The Visalia Police Department should at least consider the possibility that there may be additional incidents. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused at Redwood High School in Visalia? Our team of teacher sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that sexual abuse survivors 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.
