$1.1 Million Settlement Reached Between Fairfield Prep And Former Student Who Claimed Sexual Abuse

FAIRFIELD, CT — A former Fairfield Prep student has reached a settlement with the school for $1.1 million, after the former student claimed he was sexually abused by a former female teacher at the school from about 2001 to 2005, the former student's attorney announced.

According to famed attorney Mitchell Garabedian, the sexual abuse by the former student's Spanish teacher allegedly began when the student was a 15-year-old sophomore and lasted until about the middle of his senior year when he was 18.

"The alleged sexual abuse occurred more than 200 times by his teacher over the years," Garabedian, who was portrayed in the Oscar-winning film "Spotlight," said in a statement. "The sexual abuse took place at, for instance, her apartment in Bridgeport, CT, in her car at the parking lot on the adjacent Fairfield University campus, before and after class in teacher’s classroom at Fairfield Prep, and on a community service school trip to and from Appalachia and at the site of the trip."

The alleged relationship was ended by the former student, Garabedian said, because "he realized that the sexual relationship was wrong and not appropriate, and he began distancing himself from her, although he feared cutting her off for fear that she would somehow retaliate."

A police report was filed with Fairfield police about the alleged abuse, but when it was filed and its status is not known. A civil complaint has not been filed, Garabedian said.

"The sexual abuse caused the sexual abuse survivor to suffer ongoing and continuing emotional injuries," Garabedian said. "By coming forward and reporting the sexual abuse the sexual abuse survivor is a voice for those who cannot come forward yet and is also helping to keep the world safer for children."

He added, "The educational system is failing all sexually abused students by not properly supervising teachers and students, and by not calling on the police to immediately investigate claims of students being sexually abused."

Garabedian said the settlement was reached in August between the student, whose identity was not released, and Fairfield University on behalf of Fairfield Prep and the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, Inc.

In a statement to Patch, Christian Cashman, President of Fairfield College Preparatory School, said the institution "has no higher priority than the safety and well-being of our community."

"We remain dedicated to maintaining a safe and positive environment where all students can learn and thrive," Cashman said. "Fairfield Prep is aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct made by a former student about a past teacher during the 2002-2004 school years. Fairfield Prep has approached these concerns with careful consideration and attention, and we have resolved these claims with the former student."