SAN BRUNO, California – Jeremy Yeh, a former elementary school teacher, has been convicted on 17 felony counts of child molestation involving four students. San Mateo County District Attorney announced the verdict, stating Yeh, 34, now faces a maximum sentence of 425 years to life in prison. Yeh, who had been free on a $1.3 million bond, was remanded into custody following the jury’s decision.
Yeh’s crimes occurred between 2016 and 2022 while he taught first and second grade at El Crystal and Allen elementary schools in San Bruno. Prosecutors revealed that Yeh sexually abused his students by touching them both over and under their clothing. The abuse came to light after one victim courageously spoke out in 2018 but was allegedly silenced by school administrators who called her a liar and forced her to retract her statement. This failure to act allowed Yeh to continue teaching and abusing other students.
Legal Fallout for the School District
The conviction has sparked legal action against the San Bruno Park School District. The lawsuit accused school officials of ignoring complaints about Yeh’s behavior as early as 2017 and failing to comply with mandatory reporting laws.
The lawsuit alleges that administrators not only dismissed reports of abuse but actively concealed Yeh’s misconduct. One victim testified during the trial that Yeh engaged in inappropriate behavior under the guise of classroom activities, such as a so-called “tickle time” game and offering rewards like extra recess time alone with him.
Community Outrage and Upcoming Sentencing
The case has ignited outrage among parents and community members who feel betrayed by the district’s failure to protect its students. Wagstaffe expressed his firm stance on the matter, declaring, “This man should spend the remaining days of his life locked up.”
Yeh’s sentencing is scheduled for April 25.
Legal Recourse for Survivors: Understanding Teacher Sexual Abuse Cases
The conviction of former San Bruno elementary school teacher Jeremy Yeh has brought the issue of educator sexual abuse into sharp focus. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such devastating crimes, survivors and their families often find themselves navigating complex legal terrain. To provide clarity on the options available to those affected by teacher sexual abuse, we spoke with Jason Amala, a seasoned attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. In this interview, Amala offers valuable guidance on both criminal and civil proceedings, explaining how survivors can hold not only perpetrators but also negligent institutions accountable. His insights shed light on the challenges faced by survivors seeking justice and the potential for legal action to drive meaningful change in school systems.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Jason, thank you for joining me today. Cases like the one involving Jeremy Yeh highlight the devastating impact sexual abuse can have on children and their families. What legal avenues are available to survivors who have been assaulted by a school educator?
Jason Amala, Esq.: Survivors of sexual abuse by educators often have two primary legal options: criminal and civil proceedings. The criminal process, as we’ve seen in Yeh’s case, seeks to hold the perpetrator accountable through prosecution and sentencing. However, civil lawsuits provide survivors and their families an opportunity to pursue compensation for the harm caused—both emotional and financial—and to hold institutions like school districts accountable for their negligence.
Banville: How does accountability extend to the school district in cases like this?
Amala: When abuse occurs in a school setting, the district can be held liable if it failed to act on warning signs or neglected its duty to protect students. In Yeh’s case, allegations that administrators silenced a victim and ignored reports of misconduct could form the basis of a negligence claim. These lawsuits aim not only to compensate survivors but also to drive systemic change within institutions.
Banville: What challenges might survivors face when filing civil suits against school districts?
Amala: Survivors often encounter resistance from the institution, which may deny wrongdoing or attempt to minimize its liability. Additionally, statutes of limitations can complicate matters, though many states have reformed these laws to allow survivors more time to file claims. Emotional barriers are another challenge; reliving trauma during legal proceedings can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical for survivors to work with attorneys experienced in handling these sensitive cases.
Banville: What advice would you give to survivors or their families considering legal action?
Amala: First, consult an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases. They can assess the situation, navigate legal complexities, and provide support throughout the process. It’s also important for survivors to prioritize their healing while pursuing justice—legal action is just one piece of that journey. Families should know that holding perpetrators and institutions accountable can help prevent future abuse and create safer environments for children.
Banville: Thank you for providing such valuable information. Survivors deserve justice, and understanding their legal options is a critical step forward.
Taking the First Step Toward Justice
If your child has been sexually abused by a school coach, teacher, or educator, you don’t have to face this alone. Legal action can provide the support and accountability needed to help survivors and their families move forward. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options and begin the path to healing.
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
