A Christian school in Florida is facing a lawsuit for allegedly ignoring reports of a teacher, Harriet Sugg, grooming and sexually abusing a student. The lawsuit claims that the school failed to take action despite multiple reports from students and staff. The alleged victim’s attorney argues that the school should have intervened to protect the student. The school, The First Academy, has stated that it takes the allegations seriously and is committed to the safety of its students. Audrey Conklin reported
A lawsuit was filed on Monday against a Christian school in Florida, accusing them of negligence in handling reports of a teacher, Harriet Sugg, allegedly grooming and inappropriately touching a student. Sugg, who is 54 years old, was initially arrested in October on five charges of sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old. Three of these charges mention her role as an authority figure at the school during the alleged sexual assaults in 2016. The allegations were reported to the police in 2022 by a woman.
According to the lawsuit filed in Orange County, the victim, identified as Jane Doe to protect her identity, became a student at The First Academy in 2014 at the age of 15. One of the attorneys for the plaintiff, Andrea Lewis, stated that the victim was trying to make friends and get to know people at the new school. She found comfort in Sugg, who initially seemed like a nice and kind teacher. As their relationship developed, Sugg’s manipulation and grooming tactics became more pronounced, leading to a terrible turn of events, according to Lewis.
The lawsuit alleges that Sugg, who disclosed to students that she was a survivor of sexual assault herself, began abusing Jane Doe when she was a minor on the school’s campus, in Sugg’s vehicle, and even when her husband was away at home. The complaint states that the sexual assaults occurred numerous times in Sugg’s classroom. The lawsuit further claims that The First Academy failed to act upon reports of inappropriate incidents between Sugg and the student, including hand-holding, intimate touching, and playing with each other’s hair and rubbing each other’s backs. The plaintiff’s attorney also mentions that Sugg’s own husband reported her conduct and her abnormally close relationship with Jane Doe to the school’s administration.
The First Academy, which is run by First Baptist Orlando and has approximately 1,300 students, released a statement addressing the allegations against Sugg. They emphasized their commitment to the safety, well-being, and spiritual development of their students. Due to the ongoing investigation, they stated that they are limited in what information they can share. They also asserted that they do not tolerate any form of sexual abuse or harassment and prioritize the safety and well-being of their students.
Andrea Lewis, the plaintiff’s attorney, argues that despite having records of complaints regarding Sugg’s behavior towards Jane Doe, The First Academy did not inform the victim’s parents, contact law enforcement, or take appropriate action against the teacher. Lewis believes that the school should have separated the two individuals, informed the parents, and ensured that the teacher did not have access to the child.
Harriet Sugg was released from the Orange County Jail on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 17. Sugg’s attorney declined to comment on the case..