Benjamin Casas (Full Name: Benjamin Casas-Duran), Former Napa County School Worker At Pope Valley Elementary School, Arrested and Charged With 19 Counts of Sex Crimes Involving Children
NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (October 8, 2022) – A 32-year-old former Napa County school worker identified as Benjamin Casas has been arrested and charged with sex crimes involving children, according to KTVU.
Napa County officials are saying that the sexual assaults date back as far as 12 years. Benjamin Casas-Duran worked for at least two elementary schools in Pope Valley and St. Helena since 2014.
The former school worker is being charged with 10 counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14. He was also charged with three counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 14.
The assaults are believed to have taken place at numerous locations including the Pope Valley Elementary School campus. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Napa County School Sexual Assaults
Sexual assaults in elementary school and high school are far more common than many people realize. According to the Washington Post, “The Education Department found that reports of sexual violence at schools rose from about 9,600 in the 2015-2016 school year to nearly 15,000 in the 2017-2018 school year. That’s an increase of more than 50 percent.” Sadly, the vast majority of sexual assault cases are never reported in the first place. There are a number of signs that parents should look for that could point to sexual abuse in children.
- Anxiety and depression
- Changes in eating habits
- Rebellion or withdrawal
- Self-mutilation
It is illegal for any person in California to have a sexual relationship with a minor. According to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years old. Pursuant to California Penal Code 287, it is a crime to perform oral copulation with a child under the age of 18. Pursuant to California Penal Code 11166(c), a mandated reporter who fails to report instances of reasonably suspected sexual abuse is guilty of a crime. Depending on the facts of any case, a school district could also be liable for any instance of sexual abuse.
Schools across California have a legal obligation to properly monitor children. They must do everything in their power to protect them against sexual abuse. As explained in Taylor v. Oakland Scavenger Co., 17 Cal. 2d 594 [110 P.2d 1044], “It is the duty of the school authorities to supervise at all times the conduct of the children on the school grounds and to enforce those rules and regulations necessary to their protection.” When a school district fails to properly supervise students who are sexually abused, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Sexual abuse is extremely serious and abuse victims are often left with many ailments including.
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal ideations
- Eating disorders
- Depression
Any person that is sexually abused while in school may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A civil claim can help with many of the expenses that often come with a sexual assault. Unfortunately, school districts will often work hard to deny liability for any student that is sexually abused in their care. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Napa County School Sexual Assaults
We at TorkLaw extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the students and families who may have been impacted by the alleged crimes of Benjamin Casas. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The charges that prosecutors have set forth are truly disturbing and unconscionable. How is it that someone like this was allowed to work around children for over a decade? The school board has some tough questions to answer.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse in Napa County? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of sexual assault are aware of their rights and that their perpetrators are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
