Quinyatta Hutchinson Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Personal Injury - May 31, 2023

Student-Teacher Quinyatta Hutchinson Arrested For Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor At Huntley Middle School

DEKALB, ILLINOIS (May 31, 2023) – A 23-year-old student-teacher identified as Quinyatta Hutchinson was arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse and grooming.

An investigation began after Huntley Middle School employees reported an inappropriate encounter between the student-teacher and a student. Quinyatta Hutchinson was charged with criminal sexual abuse and grooming.

Witnesses to the incident claim that the abuse happened while the defendant and the minor were both on school property. Quinyatta Hutchinson has been released on bond and was scheduled to appear back in court on May 16.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Dekalb Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse by school employees is much more common than many people may realize. According to Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault, “School sexual abuse of K–12 students by school employees is a serious, ongoing issue that is severely underreported. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that one in ten children experience some form of sexual misconduct by school employees.” There are a number of steps that schools can take to prevent instances of child sexual abuse.

• All school employees should be properly vetted before they are hired.
• Schools should thoroughly investigate all instances of suspected abuse.
• Teachers should be trained to respect boundaries.

Depending on the facts of any case, a school could be liable if one of their employees sexually abuses a student. If a school district fails to properly monitor a teacher who goes on to assault a student, this could form the basis of a civil claim. According to Jane Doe-3, et al., v. McLean County Unit Dist. No. 5, et al., 2012 IL 112479, a school can be held liable for school officials who make false statements about a former teacher who abuses students when that teacher goes on to abuse other students. There are many steps that should be taken after any suspected instance of sexual abuse.

• Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
• A police report should be made.
• A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Teachers are mandated reporters. It is a crime for teachers to not report reasonably suspected instances of sexual abuse involving school employees. Any person that is sexually abused by a teacher may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim. Sadly, though, schools will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if a student in their care is sexually abuse.

Investigating Sexual Abuse At Huntley Middle School

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes by all who may have been affected by the actions of Quinyatta Hutchinson. Every person deserves the presumption of innocence and a fair trial. But the accusations by prosecutors are disturbing to say the least.

Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of victim’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.