Grafton High School Teacher Charged in Student Misconduct Case
A child sexual abuser isn’t always lurking in the shadows. Sometimes they hide in plain sight and are emboldened to commit their crimes. That might apply to a recent incident at Grafton High School where a teacher is facing charges for allegedly touching a child inappropriately.
As reported by WV Metro News, Grafton Police were contacted regarding the incident on May 20. Head wrestling coach at the school, Zachary Shumaker, was involved in an incident with a female student, who is considered a juvenile.
A Disturbing Incident
According to the student’s statement, Shumaker brought them into his classroom from another class.
At that time, he made inappropriate physical contact with the student while also making sexually suggestive comments. After he returned the victim to their original classroom, Shumaker persisted in making sexual comments directed at the student. It was then that the student told another teacher, and the police were called.
Shumaker was charged with two felonies and arraigned in Taylor County Circuit Court. At this court appearance, Shumaker has a $50,000 bond. He posted the bond and is now on home confinement as he awaits further court proceedings.
Legal Options
Families who find themselves confronting these horrible crimes are justifiably angry. Even as the police continue their investigations and the state prosecutor prepares their case, there remain additional legal options for a family to consider. The primary focus should be on the alleged abuser, but could the school be held liable?
There are situations in which improper hiring practices or inadequate training may have occurred. It is even worse if there have been suspicions of improper behavior and the school failed to act. In those scenarios, the school and district could be held accountable. The attorneys at Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, have provided guidance to many families in similar unfortunate circumstances.
As experienced sexual abuse lawyers, we understand the sensitive nature of these crimes and the need for families to find justice by holding all those responsible accountable. There is hope that pursuing a civil complaint can prevent other families from enduring the same ordeal.
If you’re dealing with a similar situation or suspect abuse is occurring, reach out to our office.
We’re standing by to listen and lend support. You don’t have to face this alone.
