Seattle, WA – A judge has determined that Walter Junior Jones, a former Garfield High School coach facing child rape charges, breached his electronic home monitoring agreement by attending multiple high school sporting events last winter.
Former Coach Accused of Repeatedly Raping Student
The charges against the former coach are deeply disturbing. He faces two felony child rape charges in King County Superior Court, stemming from incidents that allegedly began in 2013. Prosecutors accuse Jones of forcibly raping a 13-year-old girl while he was serving as a volunteer weight training coach at Garfield High School. The victim, a middle school student at the time, was practicing with the high school basketball team.
Court records paint a harrowing picture, alleging that Jones continued to sexually assault the girl over the next two years. Perhaps most chilling are the accusations that Jones threatened to kill the victim and her family if she ever reported the abuse. These allegations underscore the gravity of the case and the potential long-term impact on the survivor.
Accused Coach Attended 13 High School Events Despite Ankle Monitor
Jones, 47, has been wearing an ankle monitor since 2021 as he awaits trial for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girls’ basketball player while serving as a volunteer weight training coach. Despite being prohibited from contact with minors, Jones was spotted at no fewer than 13 high school sporting events between December and February.
Records Confirm Coach’s Presence at School Events While Awaiting Trial for Child Sexual Abuse
Ankle monitor GPS data verified Jones’ presence at various high schools during the events, including Garfield, Chief Sealth International, Ballard, Ingraham, Bellevue, and Eastside Catholic School. The records also placed him at Garfield High School or the adjacent Garfield Teen Life Center eight additional times in that period.
Judge Restricts Work Pass, Reiterates No-Contact Order
In response to these violations, Judge Melinda Young limited Jones’ work pass to end at 10 p.m. and emphasized that he is not permitted to attend youth sporting events. The judge reiterated that Jones is barred from contact with minors, except for his son.
Upcoming Trial for Former Coach Facing Felony Child Rape
Jones’ child rape trial is set to begin on November 13. Meanwhile, his accuser, now 24, has filed a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools, alleging that the district allowed Jones and another coach to sexually abuse her for years, sometimes on school property.
Legal Pathways for Coach Sexual Abuse Survivors
The recent case of Walter Junior Jones, a former Garfield High School coach charged with child rape, has brought renewed attention to the issue of sexual abuse in educational settings. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such incidents, many wonder about the legal options available to survivors. To address these concerns, we spoke with Mike Pfau, a seasoned Washington attorney specializing in child sexual abuse cases. Pfau offers valuable information on the rights of victims, the process of holding negligent institutions accountable, and the challenges faced by those seeking legal recourse. His insights provide a roadmap for survivors and their families navigating the complex landscape of abuse-related litigation.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal rights do victims of sexual abuse by school coaches have?
Mike Pfau, Esq.: Victims can seek compensation for physical and emotional trauma through civil lawsuits. These can target both the abuser and institutions responsible for oversight, such as school districts or athletic departments.
Banville: How can victims hold negligent parties accountable?
Pfau: Accountability comes through civil litigation. Lawsuits can expose failures in supervision, background checks, or response to abuse reports. We gather evidence of negligence, like ignored complaints or inadequate policies, to build a strong case.
Banville: What challenges do victims face in these cases?
Pfau: The emotional toll of revisiting trauma is significant. Proving institutional negligence can be difficult, especially with incomplete records or systemic failures over time. However, experienced legal support can help overcome these hurdles.
Banville: Thank you for sharing.
Pfau: You’re welcome. It’s vital that victims understand their rights and options for seeking justice.
Survivors of High School Sexual Abuse Can Reach Out for Support and Guidance
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse by a school coach or any trusted school employee, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Victims and their families should not face this journey alone. We encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. Our dedicated team is here to provide support, answer your questions, and help you navigate the legal process. Together, we can work towards accountability and 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
