BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A woman is suing Burke County Schools claiming leaders failed to protect her from a predator.
It’s the latest development in a case dating back to 2012.
An international investigation into child sex abuse material led state, federal and local investigators to Hildebran Elementary School.
Third-grade teacher Michael Alexander sexually abused dozens of students and would post videos online, investigators said.
He was sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison and now one of his victims filed a federal lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims a mother complained to the school district about Alexander’s misconduct years before his arrest, but they didn’t do anything to protect students.
Channel 9 reached out to the school district for a response to the claims.
We found the school district settled in a similar lawsuit in 2015.
Burke County Schools statement:
“Burke County Public Schools has been made aware of a lawsuit related to the 2012 case involving a former elementary school teacher.
“While we cannot comment on the specifics of this lawsuit, at the time of the 2012 case, law enforcement and internal investigations determined that the teacher acted alone. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all students and take our responsibility to protect children very seriously.
“The district has long-standing policies, mandatory staff training, and strict reporting requirements in place to help prevent and detect any form of abuse within our schools. We continuously review and strengthen these measures to ensure a safe learning environment for every student.
“Burke County Public Schools will respond to this legal matter through the appropriate court process. In the meantime, we reaffirm our commitment to student safety and to working diligently to foster a school environment that prioritizes the well-being of every child in our care.”
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