The Massapequa school district is facing a lawsuit alleging that they failed to protect a former student from a predatory janitor who sexually assaulted him. The lawsuit claims that the district was aware of the janitor’s inappropriate behavior but did nothing to prevent the assault.
According to the lawsuit filed in Nassau County Supreme Court, the district was negligent in hiring, retaining, and supervising the janitor, Michael Sodano, who allegedly groped the then-18-year-old high school senior in February. The district is accused of failing to monitor and supervise Sodano to prevent him from committing harmful acts.
The lawsuit details how Sodano allegedly preyed on the student for weeks leading up to the incident, obtaining his phone number under false pretenses. The janitor’s messages allegedly took a disturbing turn, with Sodano asking for hugs and suggesting a threesome.
The incident reportedly took place in a school bathroom, where Sodano locked the student in and assaulted him. The janitor was arrested the next day and charged with forcible touching and third-degree sexual abuse.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from the district and was filed in July. District Superintendent Dr. William Brennan stated that the accused janitor is no longer employed by the district and that all necessary background checks were conducted in accordance with state law.
Sodano’s attorney has maintained his client’s innocence, stating that he was wrongfully accused. The student’s attorney has not commented on the case.
The details of the lawsuit were first reported by News12, and the case is set to continue in court. The district has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the litigation or confidential student matters.
The allegations against the janitor and the district’s response have raised concerns about the safety and protection of students in the Massapequa school district. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of proper vetting and supervision of school staff to prevent incidents of misconduct and abuse. The Importance of Self-Care in Today’s Hectic World
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