Seattle Prep Reaches $2.425 Million Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case

Seattle Preparatory School, a private Catholic institution, has agreed to pay $2.425 million to settle a lawsuit filed by a former student who accused a former softball coach and teacher of sexual abuse. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2022, alleged that Seattle Prep ignored warning signs and allowed the coach to engage in abusive behavior over several years.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit claimed that the former student was subjected to grooming, harassment, and sexual abuse by her softball coach, who later became the school's athletic director. According to the legal complaint, the abuse took place both during and after the student’s time at Seattle Prep, with the coach using manipulation tactics to foster an inappropriate relationship. The former coach worked at the school from 1992 to 2006 and reportedly harassed multiple female students during his tenure.

The lawsuit emphasized that Seattle Prep officials were aware of the coach's inappropriate behavior long before the lawsuit was filed. Attorneys for the former student, Darrell Cochran and Bridget Grotz of Pfau Cochran Vertitis Amala law, argued that the school failed to take proper action to protect students despite knowledge of the coach's conduct.

Settlement and School’s Response

Seattle Prep announced in a statement that the settlement pertained to events that took place over 20 years ago. They further noted that the settlement did not involve tuition or donor funds. The school emphasized its commitment to student safety, stating that they now have rigorous safety protocols and practices in place to ensure the protection of students. While the school acknowledged an inappropriate relationship had occurred, they asserted that they cooperated fully with the legal process and treated the plaintiff with respect.

"Seattle Prep has in place the necessary and required safety programs and practices that put the safety of our students first. At all times, Seattle Prep treated the plaintiff with compassion and respect," said the school in a public statement.

The school also pointed out that they agreed to honor the plaintiff's confidentiality throughout the legal process. Although the former coach was not charged with a crime, Seattle Prep acknowledged his inappropriate behavior, which eventually led to his resignation in 2006.

Details of the Allegations

According to the lawsuit, the former coach groomed the student over the course of her high school career. The grooming included flirtatious behavior, excessive attention, and regular one-on-one meetings. The coach reportedly texted and called the student at night, attended unofficial team bonding events, and escalated his actions into sexual advances and contact. The abuse took place both on campus and off, with the coach isolating the student from others and manipulating her emotionally to make his advances appear natural.

The settlement revealed that the coach had a history of concerning behavior, which was documented by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). An OSPI investigation noted that the former coach frequently spent time alone with female students in his office and engaged in off-campus activities, such as shopping trips and dinners. Despite these findings, the coach’s teaching credentials were only suspended, not permanently revoked.

Impact of the Settlement

This case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting students from sexual abuse in schools. The plaintiff’s attorneys criticized Seattle Prep for turning a "blind eye" to the coach’s actions, allowing years of abuse to occur unchecked. They argued that the school had ample opportunity to intervene but failed to do so.

For the former student, the settlement represents a step toward healing from the traumatic events she endured. Her case has brought attention to the broader issue of how schools handle reports of inappropriate behavior and the responsibility they have to protect students from predatory teachers.

Seeking Legal Help

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct in a school setting, it is crucial to seek legal counsel to explore your options. Victims of sexual abuse have the right to pursue justice and hold negligent institutions accountable.

Contact Oshan & Associates

At Oshan & Associates, we are dedicated to representing victims of sexual abuse and securing justice on their behalf. Our experienced team of attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that schools, organizations, and individuals are held accountable for failing to protect students from harm. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a confidential consultation.

Call Oshan & Associates today at (206) 335-3880 to discuss your legal options and begin the journey toward justice.

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