El Paso, TX – Two Socorro Independent School District (SISD) staff members face charges of indecency with a child following separate incidents this month. Rodolfo Laureano, 52, a school bus driver, and David Hernandez, 36, a security officer, have been placed on administrative leave after allegedly inappropriately touching students. Hernandez was a school security officer at Eastlake High School located at 13000 Emerald Pass Ave, El Paso, TX 79928.
Bus Driver Accused of Assaulting 10-Year-Old Student
Surveillance footage from September 17, 2024, captured Laureano’s alleged assault of a fifth-grade student on a school bus. The 10-year-old girl was the sole passenger when Laureano reportedly asked her for gum. After instructing her to approach, he inappropriately touched her. The video shows Laureano later pulling the child towards him, touching her under her shirt, and attempting to kiss her. After dropping off the student, Laureano was seen reacting with apparent excitement.
Security Officer Charged with Abusing 15-Year-Old Student
In a separate incident on September 18, 2024, Hernandez allegedly assaulted a 15-year-old Eastlake High School student at the school’s softball field. The student reported that Hernandez approached her during lunch, asked personal questions, and made inappropriate comments about her clothing. He then allegedly touched her inappropriately, suggested she photograph the act, and showed her an explicit video of himself.
Ongoing Investigations Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations by School Employees
Both Laureano and Hernandez were arrested by SISD police and charged with indecency with a child. The school district has stated that the employees are on administrative leave pending ongoing investigations.
Additional Socorro ISD Employees Recently Arrested for Child Sex Abuse
This news follows the recent arrest of a Clarke Middle School math teacher on multiple charges of sexual abuse involving minors.
Legal Recourse for School-Related Child Sexual Abuse
The recent arrests of two Socorro Independent School District employees for alleged sexual abuse of students have raised serious questions about student safety and institutional accountability. As families and communities grapple with these disturbing events, many are left wondering about the legal options available to victims and how schools can be held responsible for such incidents. To address these concerns, we spoke with Anjali Nigam, a seasoned Texas attorney specializing in child sexual abuse cases. In this interview, Nigam offered valuable information on the legal rights of students who have been sexually abused during school hours, by bus drivers, or school resource officers. She also explains how negligent parties can be held accountable, providing essential guidance for those affected by such traumatic experiences.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Ms. Nigam, what legal options do students have when sexually abused by school employees?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Students who suffer sexual abuse at school have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against both the perpetrator and the school district. These cases often involve claims of negligence against the school for failing to properly screen, supervise, or respond to reports about employees.
Banville: How can schools be held accountable in these situations?
Nigam: School districts can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the risk an employee posed to students. This could include inadequate background checks, ignoring previous complaints, or failing to implement proper safeguards. In Texas, there may also be third-party liability if the school failed to provide adequate security or conduct thorough background checks.
Banville: What advice would you give to families affected by such abuse?
Nigam: I urge families to report abuse immediately to law enforcement and seek legal counsel promptly. Texas has specific statutes of limitations for these cases, so timely action is critical. An experienced attorney can help navigate the complex legal process and work to secure compensation for the victim’s trauma and ongoing care needs.
Banville: Thank you for your insights, Ms. Nigam.
Support for Victims and Families of School Sex Abuse
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a school setting, it’s vital to know that you are not alone. Resources and support are available to help you navigate this difficult time. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for assistance. Contact us today for a free consultation, where our dedicated team can provide guidance on your legal rights and options for seeking accountability. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Source:
https://www.ktsm.com/news/2-socorro-isd-employees-charged-with-indecency-of-a-child/
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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