EspañolSteve Graves, Lexington Junior High School Band Teacher, Under Investigation For Allegedly Fathering Child With Minor Student
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (September 13, 2024) – A southern California teacher identified as Steve Graves is under investigation for allegedly fathering a child with a minor student at Loara High School.
Orange County officials are saying that the incident allegedly took place 35 years ago. At the time of the alleged relationship in the late 1980’s, Steve Graves worked at Loara High School at 1765 W. Cerritos Avenue.
A second woman contacted police detectives and said she was his student and had a child with him. The teacher also worked at Ball Junior High School.
Anaheim police officials are working with prosecutors to determine if charges could be filed, given the statute of limitations. Anyone who may have more information about the actions of Steve Graves should reach out to Orange County Crime Stoppers.
Liability For Orange County Teacher Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and misconduct remain very common in schools across California and the United States. According to Psychology Today, “At the behest of the United States Department of Education (USDOE), Charol Shakeshaft thoroughly reviewed the existing research literature available at the time detailing sexual misconduct in school settings. In her subsequent report to the USDOE, known colloquially as the “Shakeshaft Report,” she estimated the prevalence of educator sexual misconduct at the time to be 9.6 percent of the U.S. student body.” Schools should take a number of measures in order to protect students from misconduct.
- Schools should perform a thorough background check on all teachers and employees.
- Schools should develop comprehensive guidelines on appropriate behavior for teachers.
- Schools should thoroughly investigate all allegations of misconduct.
Every school has a legal obligation to protect the students in their care. They must adequately supervise students at all times and enforce rules necessary for their protection. Teachers are mandated reporters. They have a legal obligation to report all reasonably suspected instances of child sexual abuse. But in many instances, this does not take place. If a school knew (or should have known) that a teacher posed a risk to students and failed to act, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- A police report should be created.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- It should be determined if there are other victims.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
Sexual abuse is typically highly preventable in a school setting. It tends to occur when school officials turn a blind eye to misconduct. Sexual abuse is one of the most difficult and harmful things that most children will ever go through. Victims often suffer long-term psychological trauma and are more susceptible to chronic health conditions. Any person that is sexually abused by a teacher in California may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Orange County Teacher Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been impacted by the actions of Steve Graves. The allegations made thus far are deeply troubling. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to Orange County Crime Stoppers.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a teacher in Orange County? You may have legal recourse. Our team of teacher sexual abuse attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that perpetrators are held accountable for their wrongful actions. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
