Facts

Plaintiff Maria Elena Garcia alleged that while a student at Madera High School, she was targeted, groomed, and sexually assaulted countless times by her teacher Rueben Castrejon. She further alleges during her senior year, another student complained to a teacher that Castrejon made her uncomfortable. This teacher reported the interaction, but Plaintiff alleged the District did not investigate or discipline Castrejon. Plaintiff alleged that Castrejon was emboldened by the school's inaction and thus continued assaulting Plaintiff. Plaintiff remained in what she described as a romantic relationship with Castrejon for years following her graduation. Over his years of employment, but after the time Plaintiff had graduated and ended her relationship with Castrejon, numerous complaints were lodged against Castrejon, leading to at least two separate law enforcement investigations. The District terminated his employment in 2017.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that the District ignored numerous red flags in Castrejon's behavior and that appropriate supervision could have prevented the sexual abuse from occurring.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: The District completely denied having notice of Castrejon's misdeeds prior to Plaintiff's Abuse. Although there was evidence of complaints from other students having been received after the time of Plaintiff's abuse, those did not support Plaintiff's contention that the District was on notice of Castrejon's propensities prior to or during the time of her own alleged abuse, such that it could have intervened and prevented the same.

Damages

Plaintiff's claims were limited to noneconomic damages related to her significant pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Result

The case settled at mediation in the amount of $1.8 million.

Other Information

MEDIATOR: Ronald M. Sabraw.