EspañolHigh School Personal Trainer Keith Dudley, of Oxnard, Charged With Sexually Assaulting Underage Teen From Moorpark High School
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA (April 17, 2024) – A personal trainer who worked with high school students identified as Keith Dudley was charged with sexually assaulting a Moorpark High School student.
Ventura County officials are saying that the defendant was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor. Police are alleging that Keith Dudley took advantage of a position of trust and sexually assaulted the underage student.
The defendant worked with high school students across the county. He was also a stipend track and field coach at Oaks Christian School.
The Oxnard Police Department has asked anyone with more information about the actions of Keith Dudley to reach out to them. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Moorpark Child Sexual Assaults
Sexual assaults in a K–12 setting are unfortunately all too common. Much of the abuse that takes place involves coaches. According to Business Insider, “The difference between coaches and academic teachers is that coaches might have access to students in unique ways. School coaches are tasked with guiding student-athletes through difficult physical maneuvers. That often means that coaches have to physically place their hands on a student to either evaluate a complaint of pain or demonstrate a way to complete an action.” Schools should take a number of steps in order to prevent students from being sexually abused.
- Schools should make sure that all of their employees undergo thorough background checks.
- Schools should work closely with law enforcement to investigate sexual misconduct.
- Schools should thoroughly supervise all students throughout the day.
A school could potentially be liable if an employee sexually abuses a student. 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.” Several steps should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse involving a school employee.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The history of disciplinary action against the employee should be understood.
- Medical records related to the assault should be sought.
- An experienced school sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Depending on the facts of any case, a school may be liable for a sexual assault, even if it took place off campus. This could include instances where a child was participating in a sanctioned school event. Sadly, though, schools will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility after any instance of sexual abuse. Any person who is sexually abused in a school setting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims At Moorpark High School
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been impacted by the actions of Keith Dudley. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place. It is our hope that additional measures are taken to protect all students across Ventura County.
Have you or someone that you care about been impacted by school sexual abuse in Ventura County? Our team of school sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that schools are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
