CHARLESTON – A Kanawha County woman says her daughter was groped and otherwise sexually assaulted by a substitute teacher with a history of inappropriate sexual behavior.
The child, identified only as V.H., filed her complaint October 23 through Jamie Hatfield in Kanawha Circuit Court against the Kanawha County Board of Education.
The girl is a fourth-grade student at Dunbar Intermediate School this year.
Cary
| Courtesy photo
“It is absolutely unacceptable that a teacher with an alleged documented history of abuse was permitted to remain in a position of influence over our children,” attorney Michael Cary told The West Virginia Record. “This situation not only puts our kids at risk but also sends a troubling message about accountability within our school system.
“We must prioritize the safety and well-being of every student, and it’s critical that we advocate for transparent practices in hiring and monitoring educators in West Virginia.”
According to the complaint, the child was in a classroom at the school on September 27 in which George Hunt was a substitute teacher. It says Hunt physically groped the girl while other students in the classroom watched.
“Moreover, the minor child was subjected to verbal comments of a sexual nature made by George Hunt inside the classroom,” the complaint states. “George Hunt also displayed inappropriate and obscene material for the minor child to see.”
The complaint says Hunt has a history of inappropriate sexual behavior that was known to the school board.
“This troubling pattern of conduct raises serious concerns about the board’s failure to address such behavior, especially given the potential risks it poses to students under their supervision,” the complaint states.
The plaintiffs accuse the school board of negligence, negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
“We deserve a system that authentically values our kids’ safety and fosters a learning environment free from fear,” Cary said. “Together, we must demand accountability and work toward lasting change in our schools so that no child ever has to endure such a betrayal again.”
The plaintiffs say the incident has caused serious emotional and psychological injury to the girl and the mother as well as pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, indignity, embarrassment, humiliation, annoyance, shame, inconvenience and other damages.
They seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interests, court costs, attorney fees and other relief.
The plaintiffs are being represented by Cary of Cary Law Office in Charleston. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 24-C-1177