EspañolFormer History Teacher Michael Medina Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Minor Student At McKinley School In Pasadena
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA (June 23, 2023) – A former history teacher at McKinley School in Pasadena identified as Michael Medina has been arrested on child sex abuse charges.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the incident began around 1:55 p.m. on March 1, 2023. Michael Medina was detained on campus at McKinley School and taken in to custody.
The arrest came following an investigation by the Pasadena Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit. Detectives claim to have evidence that the defendant molested a 14-year-old student and was in possession of child pornography.
Michael Medina posted bail before being arrested once more on June 22, 2023. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed 14 felony charges against the former McKinley School history teacher.
A press release by the Pasadena Police Department listed the felony charges which include:
7 counts of PC 288(a), lewd acts with a child
3 counts of PC 288(c)(1), lewd acts with a child & suspect at least 10 years older than child
4 counts of PC 311.11(a), possession of child pornography
Michael Medina is currently booked at the Pasadena Police jail where his bail is set at $850,000. Anyone with more information that may help investigators is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police.
Liability For Pasadena Teacher Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse by school teachers is unfortunately very common. According to the Innocent Lives Foundation, “roughly 10 percent of students experience sexual misconduct by a teacher at some time during their K-12 school experience. Although the report is from 2004, various studies and media reports support its findings.” Children who are being raised in tumultuous living conditions are much more likely to be victimized. There is a lot working against children in these situations.
- There is an unbalanced power dynamic between students and teachers. The perpetrators are both adults and hold positions of authority as educators.
- The victims are likely to be silent out of a sense of shame.
- The victims are often groomed and caught off guard.
It is illegal for any teacher or adult to have a sexual relationship with a minor child. Pursuant to California Penal Code 288(a), 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 can face criminal penalties including jail time. They may also face civil liability for their actions through California Civil Code section 1708.5. According to subsection (b) of the statute, “A person who commits a sexual battery upon another is liable to that person for damages, including, but not limited to, general damages, special damages, and punitive damages.”
Depending on the facts of any case, a school district could also face liability for any instance of sexual abuse in their midst. 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 school employees fail to supervise children who are then abused, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Childhood sexual abuse victims are susceptible to many physical and psychological harms including:
- Self-harm
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Sleeping disorders
- Eating disorders
Teachers are mandated reporters and are supposed to report any suspected instances of student sexual abuse. But in far too many situations, those in positions of oversight are turning a blind eye to abuse happening in their ranks. Any person that is the victim of teacher sexual abuse may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, it is common for school districts to deny all responsibility for sexual abuse in their institutions. A teacher sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims At McKinley School In Pasadena
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the children who may have been victims of Michael Medina. The accusations of the Pasadena Police department remain deeply troubling. Any person that may have additional information about what happened should speak with investigators.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse at McKinley School in Pasadena? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of highly experienced and compassionate teacher sexual abuse attorneys are here for you. We are committed to helping victims of teacher sexual abuse get the justice and support that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney, we may be able to help. You are always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
