EspañolFormer Long Beach Teacher Mark Santo (Full Name: Mark Anthony Santo) Gets 80 Years In Jail After Being Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Three Underage Girls
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (January 23, 2024) – A former Long Beach teacher identified as Mark Santo is facing life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting three underage girls.
Long Beach prosecutors are saying that the defendant was first arrested at his home in Cypress in May 2020. Mark Santo was first charged with committing lewd acts on a 13-year-old girl.
Additional charges were filed after more victims came forward. The judge in the case described him as a predator and a danger to the community.
Prior to the charges, Mark Santo worked at Lindbergh Middle School, Long Beach Poly High School and Jordan High School.
Liability For Long Beach Teacher Sexual Abuse
Los Angeles County has continued to face lawsuits after rampant instances of sexual abuse by teachers and other government officials. According to the Los Angeles Times, “County officials predicted that they may be forced to spend between $1.6 billion and $3 billion to resolve roughly 3,000 claims of sexual abuse that allegedly took place in the county’s foster homes, children shelters, and probation camps and halls dating to the 1950s.” Schools should take a number of measures in order to protect students from abuse.
- Schools should develop clear policies and procedures related to abuse prevention.
- School staff should be trained to recognize and report signs of abuse.
- Schools should educate staff on the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
- Schools should make sure that all employees go through rigorous background checks.
Schools have a legal responsibility to adequately supervise children and enforce all regulations necessary for their protection. When a teacher sexually abuses a student, that teacher may face criminal liability for their actions. The school could also face civil liability for the actions of the teacher if the abuse took place when the child was being cared for by the school. There are many signs of sexual abuse that both parents and teachers should look for.
- A child may have a sharp decline in academic performance.
- A child may have recurring nightmares.
- A child may develop panic attacks.
- A child may develop anxiety.
- A child may begin to self-harm.
Sexual abuse can be one of the most harmful and destructive things that most children will ever go through. It impacts their well-being in the present. It can also leave them more vulnerable to a variety of very serious chronic health conditions. It is important that abuse victims understand that they do have rights. Any person that was sexually abused by a teacher may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Long Beach Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the students who may have been harmed by the actions of Mark Santo. California is a safer place now that he is off the streets. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to make Los Angeles County schools safer for all children.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a teacher in Long Beach? Our team of 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 schools are held accountable for their neglect. 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.
