Gary Landergen, Math Teacher and Wrestling Coach At Fortuna Union High School, Arrested For Alleged Sexual Battery of Students
FORTUNA, CALIFORNIA (April 28, 2022) – A math teacher and wrestling coach at Fortuna High School has been arrested on charges he sexually assaulted two students.
Humboldt County police officials are saying that the arrest occured on Wednesday April 6. Two Fortuna High School students came forward and said that they were the victims of inappropriate and unwelcome groping and fondling by the teacher.
The press release from police officials said that they were able to locate witnesses who said they observed some of the conduct in question. According to the Press Release, “Fortuna Police Detectives arrested 56 year old, Gary F. Landergen on allegations of sexual battery on a minor.”
The math teacher and wrestling coach was then booked into a Humboldt County jail.
Gary Landergen worked and taught at Fortuna Union High School in the 1990’s. He left for Argonaut High School in Amador County where he coached wrestling and football.
A full investigation into the allegations by the students remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Sexual Assault At California High Schools
Sexual assault in schools are far more common than many people realize. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, roughly 10% of students will experience sexual misconduct by a teacher at some point during their k-12 school education. The average age of the offender was 28 and may not fit the profile that most people think of. The misconduct is typically done by well liked teachers who are highly regarded within the school. The typical victims are female high-school students that come from low-income backgrounds. Most misconduct begins with “grooming,” which is made up of several steps.
- The sexual abuser targets the child.
- The sexual abuser gains the child’s trust.
- The sexual abuser fills a need in the child’s life.
- The sexual abuser isolates the child.
- The sexual abuser sexualizes the relationship.
- The sexual abuser maintains control of the relationship.
Schools have a legal obligation to do everything in their power to keep children safe. This includes taking steps to prevent sexual misconduct by school officials. It is a crime for teachers to fail to report sexual misconduct. According to California Penal Code 11166(c), “A mandated reporter who fails to report an incident of known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months confinement in a county jail or by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by both that imprisonment and fine.” Sadly, though, many teachers fail to report suspicious behavior because they do not want to harm the teacher’s reputation.
A school district could face civil liability if a student in their care is sexually abused by a teacher. Consider, for example, 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.” The vast majority of sexual abuse at schools occurs when officials fail to properly supervise school employees. There are a number of steps that schools should take in order to reduce instances of sexual abuse.
- Schools should properly vet prospective teachers before hiring them.
- Instances of sexual misconduct, no matter how small, should be properly reported and documented.
- The Department’s School Safety Commission should include steps aimed at the prevention of sexual abuse by employees.
When a school fails to adequately protect students from sexual abuse, the school could be held liable through a civil claim. Any person that has been sexually abused by a teacher at Fortuna High School or Argonaut High School may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sexual abuse is no small matter and is linked to a wide variety of detrimental health outcomes. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Sexual Assault At Fortuna High School or Argonaut High School
We at TorkLaw extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the people who may have been affected by sexual abuse at Fortuna High School or Argonaut High School. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. What did school officials at these locations do to protect students? It is our sincere hope that there is accountability.
Have you or someone that you love been the victim of sexual abuse at Fortuna High School or Argonaut High School? There are many laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of victim’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that sexual abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, confidential conversation about your situation, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
