Mesa School Janitor Arrested: A Wake-Up Call for Child Safety

December 6, 2024
Cute asian pupil girl with backpack holding her mother hand and going to school

Waking up to the dangers our children face when they are out of our care and supposed to be safe in school, has put parents in a tough place. When it comes to sending our children to school, they are supposed to be safe in their care, but more and more, we are hearing stories like the recent case in Mesa, Arizona, where a janitor was arrested on child pornography charges. 

No child should feel unsafe in their school, and no parent should feel the helplessness of knowing that their child has become the victim of sexual assault. Working with an experienced sexual abuse attorney will ensure that not only are the school and the attacker held accountable, but it can also help you with any expenses for the aftermath of the incident. Contact Skousen Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC, to have compassionate legal guidance during this devastating time.

The Recent Case in Mesa 

In early November, Yahoo! flagged and reported almost a dozen files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from an account in Mesa, AZ. When this was brought to the state’s task force for internet crimes against children, detectives discovered the gruesome files belonged to a man who was, at the time, a janitor at a local high school. While the files that were flagged did not depict high schoolers, he was booked and arrested on child pornography charges. The school put out an official statement to their students' families that he was put on immediate administrative leave. Although they did not indicate his online activities before this, they will continue to follow protocols to ensure the safety of their students. 

The Devastating Impact of Sexual Abuse on Children

Sexual abuse changes the way that children look at the world. Any relationships that they form will forever be impacted by the trauma that they’ve suffered, and the horror that they endured. The effects that a child suffers after experiencing sexual assault can vary depending on the circumstances of the assault, the child’s developmental stage, and how the adults in their life respond to informing them of the abuse. 

Short term effects of sexual abuse include:

  • Increased body aches and physical complaints
  • Poor attendance and performance at school
  • Regressive behaviors
  • Sleeping or eating disorders
  • Self-harm
  • Lack of self-esteem
  • Mood and personality changes
  • Nightmares

Whereas long-term effects include:

  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Unwillingness or inability to form lasting relationships
  • Alcohol and substance misuse
  • Violent behavior
  • Criminal behavior

The most crucial factor in a child's recovery from sexual assault is the unwavering support and belief they receive from the adults in their lives. When adults respond with protection, empathy, and unwavering support, it significantly increases the child's chances of healing from the trauma.

Recognizing the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Children, especially young children, who have been sexually abused can display a range of signs that they could potentially be experiencing sexual abuse. Children may not report the abuse for a long time after the abuse, and while there could be signs, they may not be clear. Recognizing the signs of potential abuse can help stop the suffering as soon as possible.

Potential signs of sexual abuse to look for:

  • The child is more distant
  • Unusual or new fears
  • Difficulty staying focused or zoning out
  • Regressive behaviors
  • Showing knowledge of behaviors beyond their age
  • Major shifts in their personality and temperament
  • Self-harm

Supporting our children comes in many forms, and noting these drastic changes in who they are can be your early warning sign that you need to intervene. If your child may be experiencing sexual abuse, contact our legal team today for compassionate representation so we can fight for your child’s justice.

Seeking Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

When we send our children to school, our biggest fear is that they will be harmed while in someone else’s care. The unimaginable suffering that they could potentially endure if they are sexually abused can be devastating. If you have found out that your child has suffered sexual assault, it’s crucial to act swiftly to protect your child and seek justice. 

Children shouldn’t be suffering, and when they do suffer at the hands of others, they can face life-long consequences, physically and emotionally. Due to carelessness, negligence or exploitation, and abuse, children are harmed every day, and children suffer at the hands of those who should be protecting them. It’s crucial to prioritize their safety and ensure that they are cared for in the aftermath of the abuse. After a child has suffered sexual assault, they could be facing mounting medical costs and emotional trauma that require the most skilled therapists. 

Fighting for compensation can ensure your child receives the best care possible to help them recover. Sexual abuse cases that involve children can be complex and filled with highly charged emotions. If you believe your child is a victim of sexual abuse or assault, reach out to Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience PLC by calling our office at (480) 833-8800 We can provide you with the guidance you need to bring justice and compensation to your family.

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