GUHSD SUED OVER TEACHER ACCUSED OF MOLESTATION

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East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

March 12, 2016 (El Cajon) – Three lawsuits have been filed against the Grossmont Union High School District over its handling of James Chatham, a former Granite Hills drama teacher accused of molesting a student, 10 News reports.

Chatham was charged with three counts of misdemeanor child molestation in 2014. He pled guilty to a lewd act in public and battery.  He was required to register as a sex offender and was sentenced to three years of probation.

The latest suit claims that the school administration failed to take action after learning of Chatham’s alleged misconduct, that reportedly included inappropriate touching and kissing.

The district has indicated that Chatham was immediately placed on leave once the school was notified of the allegations. After a police investigation commenced, the district began dismissal proceedings and ultimately fired Chatham. The district also notified the state, which resulted in revocation of Chatham’s teaching credentials, according to 10 News.

A student who had Chatham as her teacher in 9th grade voiced this sentiment in an e-mail to ECM: 

“I have mixed feelings about this whole thing, but this teacher is someone who I befriended and have as friend on FB (Facebook) and I am not letting up that.” 
 

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