Can Charges Be Filed for Principal of School Not Taking Action Against Molester

[loretta]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

My brother was molested as a child by his male teacher. This was brought to the attention of the principal of the school. He did not contact authorites, fire the teacher or take any action we are aware. This occured in 1974. This teacher kept his position at the school for about 15-19 more years, meanwhile molesting more children the entire time. The teacher was finally s arrested and convicted, imprisoned and set free. Can this principal be held legally responsible in some way for enabling this child molester to abuse and tragically change these boys lives forever. Thank you.

[cbg]

This happened in 1974, you said? Even if you could make a case against the principal, which is doubtful at best, the statue of limitations has long since expired.

[aardvarc]

Why weren't POLICE notified by whomever notified the principal? (Principals deal with school issues, police deal with criminal acts.)

[loretta]

Please remember this is 1974. The family is fairly new to the area. This is a Catholic school with a little over 100 children for grades k-12. A very close knit community. The boy is extremely embarrassed and ashamed and was afraid it would be his word against a teacher. This teacher took boys camping far away from the safety of their home. As far as I know my brother was the first boy to say anything. The parents had not a clue as to what to do with the situation and were talked out of notifying the police. These things were not openly talked about but they were told it would be handled properly. As time passed, it just sort of became something bad that had happened and we all tried to forget. The principal stayed in charge, the teacher continued his camping trips and my brother was forever changed and sadly he never became who he was meant to be before this monster destroyed his spirit.

[cbg]

That's very sad, but it does not change the fact that you have waited too long. It's doubtful that you could ever have made a legal claim against the principal, but even if you could, it's far, far too late now.