Eleven girls who were sexually abused by a convicted former teacher have filed a lawsuit against the Alum Rock Union School District, accusing administrators of conspiring to cover up his past misconduct. Israel Alejandro Santiago, 46, who taught music at three schools in the district, is currently serving a state prison sentence in Corcoran after being convicted last fall. The lawsuit, filed on June 12 by attorney Morgan Stewart, includes six plaintiffs who were also involved in the criminal case against Santiago.
Santiago’s arrest in November 2022 followed a San Jose police investigation prompted by reports made by several students, parents, and teachers to an administrator. The allegations leading to his conviction involved acts dating back to September 2021, including instances where Santiago would take children into a secluded office and engage in inappropriate physical contact. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office described the contact as including touching students’ buttocks, touching a girl’s back underneath her bra strap, and lifting a victim’s shirt.
The lawsuit introduces two additional girls who claim they were abused by Santiago while attending Ben Painter Elementary School. The plaintiffs accuse the district and current and former administrators of “constructive fraud” in covering up Santiago’s behavior and negligence. Santiago himself is accused of assault and sexual battery. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages to cover economic losses resulting from the abuse, as well as punitive damages against the district and personnel involved.
According to the lawsuit, Santiago had been suspected of sexual misconduct as early as 2012 when he was teaching at Painter and William Sheppard Middle School. A 2014 personnel investigation revealed that Santiago had been admonished by then-Sheppard principal Imee Almazan for failing to practice good judgment regarding physical contact with students, particularly females. However, instead of reprimanding or reporting Santiago to the police, the lawsuit alleges that then-Superintendent Stephen Fiss, Almazan, and district human resources head Ricardo Medina transferred Santiago to Adelante Dual Language Academy, despite objections from Medina.
The lawsuit further details multiple instances where Santiago was warned about his inappropriate touching of students, none of which resulted in any administrator or educator contacting the police. It also highlights that then-Adelante principal Maria Gutierrez was fired by the district for failing to report Santiago’s misconduct, while no such consequence befell Almazan.
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The blog post discusses a recent lawsuit filed by eleven girls against the Alum Rock Union School District. The girls claim that the district administrators conspired to cover up the past misconduct of a former teacher who sexually abused them.
This is a deeply disturbing and concerning situation. It is disheartening to hear that those in positions of authority, who are supposed to protect and educate students, may have been involved in a cover-up. The bravery of these eleven girls in coming forward and seeking justice should be comm
The lawsuit filed by the eleven girls against the Alum Rock Union School District is like shining a light on a dark secret that has been hidden away for far too long. Just as a flashlight reveals the hidden corners of a room, the lawsuit exposes the truth about the district's alleged conspiracy to cover up the former teacher's past misconduct. It is a powerful beam of justice that cuts through the darkness, illuminating the wrongdoing and seeking accountability for the victims.
1. Seek legal advice: If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in such cases. They can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights and options.
2. Document evidence: Gather any evidence related to the abuse, such as photographs, messages, or any other form of communication that can support your case. This evidence can be crucial in proving your claims and holding the responsible parties accountable.
3.