COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richland School District Two has entered into a six-figure settlement over a claim of a sexual assault on campus, according to the lawyer representing the alleged victim.
The suit was brought by attorney Tyler Bailey and the teen's mother against the district for an incident on January 28, 2020, at Ridge View High School.
In the suit, the plaintiff, identified as John Doe, said he was a boy's basketball team member. According to the filing, several teammates held him down and sexually assaulted him before a game. The teen said he screamed for his attackers to stop, and other team members eventually heard the commotion and pulled the players off the victim.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department was called to investigate and charged a 15-year-old who officers said committed the act with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. They also charged two 14-year-olds and another 15-year-old with assault and battery by a mob.
The teens were not identified publicly because of their age. It's unclear what ultimately happened with the charges against them.
Deputies said at the time, they learned of another alleged assault that had taken place a day earlier while investigating that case.
Bailey said the settlement between John Doe's family and the district was for $285,000.
"This lawsuit was about holding schools accountable for protecting students, ensuring no child goes through what my client did and creating safer educational environments," Bailey said. "I commend the strength of our clients and hope this lawsuit encourages schools to prioritize child safety and enact and enforce policies that protect all students in the future."
