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Abuse Guardians
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Parkersburg, WV – A lawsuit has been filed against a suspended Wood County teacher and coach for allegedly sexually abusing a middle school basketball player. The civil complaint was submitted on September 26, 2024, in Wood Circuit Court by the minor plaintiff, identified as S.D., through their parent and guardian.

Allegations Against Coach Dwain Sponseller

Dwain Sponseller, 40, formerly a teacher at Parkersburg South High School and boys basketball coach at Van Devender Middle School, faces serious accusations. The lawsuit claims that Sponseller sexually abused the plaintiff multiple times on school property between October 2022 and March 2023.

Criminal Charges and Arrest of Middle School Basketball Coach

Sponseller was arrested in March after being observed at Van Devender Middle School with a juvenile when he was not authorized to be there. Following interviews with two juveniles, he was charged with seven counts of sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust. He was later indicted on nine counts of first-degree sexual abuse and seven counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian.

School Board’s Alleged Negligence

The civil complaint also names the Wood County Board of Education as a defendant. It alleges that the board was aware of similar misconduct by Sponseller but failed to take appropriate action. The lawsuit accuses the board of concealing and misrepresenting facts, showing deliberate indifference to Sponseller’s conduct.

Damages Sought in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

The plaintiff seeks compensation for physical injury, psychological damage, pain and suffering, diminished earning capacity, and medical expenses. The lawsuit includes claims of negligence, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud, and collusion against both Sponseller and the school board.
Sponseller was arraigned in March and released on a $55,000 surety bond. If convicted, he faces potential prison terms of 10 to 20 years and fines between $500 and $5,000 for each charge. The civil case is ongoing, with the plaintiffs seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as other relief.

Legal Guidance for Student-Athletes: Addressing Sexual Abuse in Schools

The recent lawsuit against a Wood County coach has brought attention to the serious issue of sexual abuse in educational settings. As communities grapple with these allegations, questions arise about the legal rights of victims and the responsibilities of schools to protect their students. To better understand the complexities of such cases, we spoke with Jesse Forbes, a seasoned West Virginia attorney experienced in sexual abuse cases. Forbes offers valuable information on the legal options available to students who have experienced abuse and explains how schools can be held accountable for negligence in these situations. His insights provide a roadmap for families navigating the aftermath of such traumatic events and seeking to hold responsible parties accountable.

Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options do students sexually abused by coaches have?

Jesse Forbes, Esq.: Students who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a coach have several legal avenues. They can file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and potentially the school district. These suits aim to recover damages for physical and emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other losses stemming from the abuse.

Banville: How can schools be held accountable in these situations?

Forbes: Schools can be held liable if they were negligent in their duty to protect students. This could involve failing to properly screen employees, ignoring previous complaints, or not taking appropriate action when abuse was suspected or reported. To establish liability, we must show the school knew or should have known about the risk and failed to act reasonably to prevent it.

Banville: What advice would you give to families in this situation?

Forbes: My primary advice is to report the abuse to law enforcement immediately. Preserve any evidence and seek medical attention if needed. Then, consult with an attorney experienced in handling sexual abuse cases. Time is critical, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims against public entities like school districts. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal process and work to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Take the First Step Towards Justice: Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Victims and their families have legal rights and options available to them. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance, support, and the expertise needed to navigate this challenging journey. Your voice matters, and together we can work towards accountability and healing.

Source:

https://wvrecord.com/stories/665029443-middle-schooler-says-basketball-coach-sexually-abused-him

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