Seattle, WA – A 46-year-old math tutor, Gregory Emmanuel Ward, has been charged with raping a 13-year-old student from Aki Kurose Middle School in Seattle. The alleged incident took place on December 30, 2024, in the bathroom of a South Seattle restaurant.
Math Tutor Charged with Raping Middle School Student in Seattle
Ward, who also worked as a program manager for AmeriCorps and a project manager at City Year, reportedly developed a relationship with the student over several months while tutoring her in math. On the day of the alleged assault, Ward coerced the girl into having sex in the restaurant bathroom, where he also took photos and videos of the act.
After the incident, Ward instructed the victim to delete their messages and keep everything secret. The girl’s mother later found Ward kissing and touching her daughter in an alley near the restaurant.
Investigation and Charges of the Sexual Assault
The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment and interviewed by police. When questioned, Ward initially denied being alone with the victim but later admitted to sending explicit messages and “goofing off” with her in the men’s bathroom. He maintained that he never had sex with the girl.
On January 6, King County prosecutors charged Ward with:
- Rape of a child in the second degree
- Communication with a minor for immoral purposes
- Ward is currently held in King County Jail on $250,000 bail.
Tutor Accused of Sexual Assault Issued No-Contact Order
Casey McNerthney from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office stated that the case was rush-filed due to the severity of the allegations. The court granted prosecutors’ requests for:
- A no-contact order with minors
- Electronic monitoring with GPS tracking if Ward posts bond
Legal Pathways for Survivors: Understanding Tutor Sexual Abuse Cases
The recent arrest of Gregory Emmanuel Ward, a math tutor charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student in Seattle, has brought the issue of child sexual abuse in educational settings to the forefront. As victims and their families grapple with the aftermath of such traumatic events, questions about legal recourse and accountability often arise. To address these concerns, we spoke with Mike Pfau, a seasoned Washington attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. In this interview, Pfau offers valuable guidance on the legal options available to survivors, explaining how civil lawsuits can hold both perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable. His insights provide a roadmap for victims seeking justice and compensation in the complex landscape of tutor-related sexual abuse cases.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Mr. Pfau, what legal recourse do victims of sexual abuse by tutors have?
Mike Pfau, Esq.: Victims of sexual abuse by tutors have several legal options. They can file civil lawsuits against the perpetrator and potentially against the organizations that employed or supervised the tutor. These lawsuits aim to hold negligent parties accountable and provide compensation for the victims’ suffering.
Banville: How can victims establish negligence in these cases?
Pfau: To establish negligence, victims must prove four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In the context of tutor abuse cases, the educational institution or tutoring organization has a duty to protect students. If they fail to properly screen, supervise, or respond to concerns about a tutor, that could constitute a breach of duty.
Banville: What types of damages can victims seek in civil lawsuits?
Pfau: Victims can seek various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Banville: How does the concept of negligent security apply in these cases?
Pfau: Negligent security can be a factor if the abuse occurred on the premises of an educational institution or tutoring center. Property owners have a duty to provide a safe environment for students. If they fail to implement adequate security measures or ignore warning signs, they may be held liable.
Banville: Are there any specific challenges in proving negligence in tutor abuse cases?
Pfau: One challenge is establishing causation – proving that the institution’s negligence directly led to the abuse. Another hurdle can be the public duty doctrine, which sometimes protects public employees from individual liability. However, this doesn’t always apply, especially when there’s a special relationship between the teacher or tutor and the student.
Banville: What advice would you give to victims considering legal action?
Pfau: I would urge victims to speak with an experienced sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible. These cases can be complex, and it’s important to understand your rights and the legal options available. Gathering evidence, such as communications between the tutor and student, and documenting the emotional impact of the abuse are critical steps.
Banville: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Pfau. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Pfau: I want to emphasize that victims have rights, and they shouldn’t hesitate to come forward. The legal system can provide a path to healing and justice, holding not just the abuser but also negligent institutions accountable for their actions or inactions.
Empowering Survivors: Your Path to Justice Starts Here
The trauma of sexual abuse can leave lasting scars, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a tutor or in an educational setting, remember that you have rights and legal options. Our team of compassionate and experienced attorneys is here to guide you through the process of seeking justice and holding responsible parties accountable. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore the best path forward. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back – take the first step towards healing and empowerment by reaching out to us today. Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it in the pursuit of justice.
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
