Boynton Beach, FL – A significant legal development has emerged as a Boynton Beach family has filed a federal lawsuit against Dax Rankine, a 48-year-old physical education teacher, accusing him of sexually assaulting their daughter.
Allegations of Child Sex Assault in School Bathroom
The lawsuit alleges that Rankine assaulted a fourth-grade girl twice in the bathrooms of Sunset Palms Elementary School during the 2019 school year. It is claimed that he threatened the young student to keep silent about the incidents. Although an investigation was conducted by school police, prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges, as indicated in Rankine’s personnel file. However, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office has confirmed that the investigation remains open.
Teacher’s Troubling History Prior to Sexual Assault Allegations
Rankine returned to teaching after the initial investigation and continued working until this month when the lawsuit was filed. The family’s complaint highlights a troubling background, alleging that the school district was aware of Rankine’s criminal history prior to these incidents, including a DUI arrest in 2019 that was dismissed. Wites emphasized that Rankine should never have been allowed to teach, stating, “The teacher was arrested for DUI with children in the car, and according to the police report, he initially claimed he was taking them to be forced to drink.”
Calls for Accountability in Elementary Schools
Rankine was removed from the classroom only after the girl reported the incidents last year. Despite this report, the state attorney’s office concluded there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges, allowing Rankine to return to teaching until now. Wites criticized the school board for its delayed response, asserting, “It should not have taken a lawsuit to prompt action from a school board that had this information for over a year.”
Possibility of Additional Victims and Available Resources
The young girl disclosed her experiences during therapy sessions, leading her family to seek legal action. Wites expressed his unwavering support for the victim, stating, “As a parent myself, I believe what happened to this young woman is unspeakable.” He is also actively looking for other potential victims.
Rankine’s attorney has categorically denied all allegations against him and has refused to cooperate with investigators. As of now, neither he nor his attorney have responded to inquiries made recently.
This case raises serious concerns regarding student safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding their students. As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant for further developments.
Legal Guidance for Parents: Navigating School Sexual Abuse Cases
In the aftermath of a sexual abuse allegation involving a teacher, parents often face overwhelming emotions and uncertainty about their next steps. To provide clarity and support, we spoke with Michael Haggard, a seasoned attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases in Florida. In this interview, Haggard outlines the legal rights available to parents, the process for holding negligent parties accountable, and the critical actions they can take to protect their children and seek compensation.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Thank you for joining me today, Michael. As an experienced attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases, can you explain the legal rights available to parents whose children have been sexually abused by a teacher?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Absolutely, Laurence. In Florida, parents have several legal avenues to explore when their child has been sexually abused by a teacher. Firstly, they can pursue a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and potentially the school district. Schools have a legal obligation to protect their students, and if they fail to act on known allegations or if they negligently hire or supervise staff, they can be held liable.
Banville: That sounds significant. What specific steps should parents take if they suspect their child has been abused?
Haggard: Parents should first ensure their child receives appropriate medical and psychological care. Documenting any evidence or disclosures from the child is also crucial. After that, it’s important to report the abuse to law enforcement and the school administration. This not only helps protect other students but also serves as a vital step in building a case.
Banville: Can you elaborate on how schools can be held accountable in these situations?
Haggard: Certainly. Schools are expected to act in loco parentis, meaning they must take on the role of guardians during school hours. If they knew or should have known about inappropriate behavior and failed to take action, they can be found negligent. For instance, if a school had previous reports of misconduct against a teacher and did nothing, that could establish grounds for liability.
Banville: What about the timeline for filing a lawsuit? Are there specific deadlines parents should be aware of?
Haggard: Yes, in Florida, victims of sexual abuse have until seven years after turning 18 to file a civil lawsuit. However, it’s advisable for parents to act quickly as evidence can fade and witnesses may become harder to locate over time.
Banville: Thank you for those insights, Michael. It’s clear that understanding these legal rights is essential for parents facing such challenging circumstances.
Haggard: Absolutely, Laurence. It’s vital for parents to know that they are not alone and that there are legal protections available to help them seek justice for their children.
Reach Out for Support: Your Voice Matters
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, remember that you are not alone. There are legal avenues available to help you seek accountability and support. We encourage victims and their families to contact us for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is here to listen, provide guidance, and help you navigate the path toward healing and justice. Don’t hesitate to take the first step—your voice matters, and we are ready to stand by your side.
Source
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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