EspañolRichard Turner (Full Name: Richard Alexander Turner), Former Athletic Trainer For Two High Schools In San Fernando Valley, Pleaded No Contest To Felony Charges of Sexually Assaulting Teen Girls
VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA (May 14, 2024) – A former athletic trainer identified as Richard Turner has pleaded no contest after being arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges of sexually assaulting 12 teen girls.
Los Angeles County officials are saying the defendant entered the plea during a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to go to trial. So far, Richard Turner has pleaded no contest to 13 counts of sexually assaulting 12 girls.
Prosecutors have said that he will likely spend the last of his days in prison. The defendant was initially facing 21 felony charges for interactions with students that took place between 2017 to 2022.
Prior to this time period, a student at Van Nuys High School said that Richard Turner touched her inappropriately. Prosecutors have said that the plea deal saves the victims from the traumatic experience of testifying at trial.
Liability For Sexual Abuse By Athletic Coaches
A large portion of the sexual abuse that takes place in schools involves athletic trainers and 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.” There are a number of signs that school officials should look for to indicate that coaches may be engaging in misconduct.
- Coaches may engage in overly personal interactions with students in ways that seem excessive.
- Coaches may be secretive about their interactions with students.
- Coaches may ignore or cross professional boundaries.
- Coaches may be the subject of past complaints of misconduct.
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from the sexual predation of their employees. 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.” School officials are also mandated reporters. They can be held criminally liable for failing to report reasonably suspected instances of child abuse. There are many ways that a school may have failed to properly protect a student from sexual abuse.
- A school may have failed to conduct thorough background checks.
- A school may have failed to adequately supervise the students in their care.
- School officials may have failed to report a suspected instance of misconduct.
- School officials may have failed to set clear guidelines between faculty and students.
Much of the sexual abuse that takes place in schools is preventable. It is much more likely at schools that refuse to accept responsibility for what is going on. Sadly, though, schools will often do everything that they can to deny responsibility if students in their care are sexually abused. Any person who is sexually abused by a school official does have rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help After Los Angeles County School Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been impacted by the actions of Richard Turner. It is our sincere hope that the school district will implement additional measures to prevent abuse. There needs to be accountability across the board for what took place.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused at school in Los Angeles County? Our team of sexual abuse attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to getting survivors justice and holding school districts accountable for their negligence. 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.
