A Regional Occupational Program (ROP) teacher was arrested in the Inland Empire under the suspicion of sending inappropriate text messages to a minor with the intention of committing a sex crime. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation against LRod Jara, a 49-year-old male, began on April 22, 2022. The investigation was specifically looking into an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Jara was placed on administrative leave from the Colton, Redlands, Yucaipa ROP when the investigation started. On Thursday, June 2, 2022, Jara was arrested afteri the investigation determined that he had sent inappropriate text messages to the minor with the intent to commit a sex crime.
According to detectives, there may be additional victims. Jara’s booking photo was released, and the authorities are urging anyone with additional information to reach out.
Unfortunately, incidents like the one described above are not unusual. It is common for teachers and school staff to take advantage of their positions to abuse innocent students who completely trust these adults in their lives. Although sending inappropriate text messages might not seem as serious as molestation or rape, inappropriate text messages still classify as a form of child sexual abuse – and should be taken seriously.
If you believe that your child has been the victim of a teacher at a school or occupational program, do not hesitate to contact the experts here at our law firm immediately. You might have grounds to file a lawsuit. Our lawyers here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to understand your legal options and your right to sue.
About the CRY-ROP
The Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupational Program (CRY-ROP) is a program designed to accelerate skill development and education of both high school students and adults in the region with the goal of increasing their career preparedness, academic preparedness, and that they have a technical skill. Without a doubt, programs like this are essential for communities. However, participants are at risk of being abused by teachers and staff. High school students, specifically, typically range in age from 14 to 18 years old. Unfortunately, these students are at risk of being sexually abused by teachers and staff.
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What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is essentially an umbrella term that covers all sexual activity with a minor – as a minor can never legally give consent. Child sexual abuse includes the following:
- Exposing oneself to a minor or masturbating in front of a minor
- Forcing a minor to masturbate
- Any inappropriate touching (including fondling, massaging, etc.) of the minor’s body
- Explicit conversations, including text messages
- Rape and attempted rape
- Forcing the minor to perform any sexual acts
- Any sexual contact with a minor
In the incident discussed above, the suspect was found to have sent inappropriate text messages to the minor. Just like any of the other types of sexual abuse listed above, inappropriate conversations should be taken seriously.
Child Sexual Abuse in Schools have Lasting Consequences
Without a doubt, sexual abuse can have a number of physical injuries, including sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, injuries to reproductive organs, etc. Even in cases where the sexual abuse does not lead to physical harm, victims are likely to suffer extensive mental and emotional harm, which can include some of the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Fear
Can You Sue?
If your child was sexually abused at a school or occupational program like the CRY-ROP, you could have grounds to sue. Specifically, you could have grounds to sue based on the failure to keep your child safe. All schools and educational centers have a duty to their students. They have a duty to keep their students safe from all hazards, including hazards presented by their employees. All employees must be subject to background checks, training, supervision, etc. to ensure that they do not represent a risk to students. In addition, employees must be trained in how to properly respond when there is suspicion of misconduct (i.e., how to report, what to do, etc.). Of course, schools/centers also have a duty to identify and promptly address any abuse. They can be liable if they fail to address the abuse or even try to cover up the abuse.
You could sue on behalf of your child if your child was a victim of sexual abuse at a school or occupational center. If you choose not to sue, your child will actually have the right to sue him or herself after becoming a legal adult. For more information about your right to file a lawsuit, do not hesitate to contact the experts at our law firm today.
Participating in a Class Action Lawsuit
Unfortunately, cases of school sexual abuse often consist of multiple victims that were harmed in similar manners; because of this, these incidents often lead to class action lawsuits. Before filing a class action lawsuit against the occupational center, more victims need to come forward. Here at our law firm, we understand the trauma associated with school sexual abuse and want to help. Whether you are filing a sexual abuse lawsuit or you are looking to participate in a class action lawsuit, we can help you.
Contact Downtown L.A. Law Group Today
Here at our law firm, our lawyers have decades of experience handling all sorts of claims, including school sexual abuse claims. Here at our law firm, we are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to sue and recover the compensation that you are owed. We offer free legal services, which include free consultations and free second opinions. Whether you are looking to begin or continue your child sexual abuse claim, our lawyers can help you.
We offer a Zero-Fee guarantee, meaning that you will never be required to pay upfront legal costs for our legal services. In addition, we work on contingency; therefore, you will actually not be required to pay anything until after winning your claim. If you do not win, you will not have to pay any legal costs.
If you are ready to discuss your legal options with our experienced school sexual abuse attorneys, contact us at your earliest convenience.
