Start Your Path To Healing And Justice
Schedule A Call Now
Hi - I’m Jeff. I am a lawyer licensed to practice law in Indiana. Our attorneys fight every day for the rights of sexual abuse victims.
My team and I are ready to help.
A choir teacher in central Indiana has been arrested on one charge of child seduction, a class D felony. Alex Brickens, who served as the assistant director of choirs at Franklin Community High School, was released from custody on a $300 bond the evening of October 2, 2018.
In light of these new allegations, our compassionate sexual abuse attorneys have launched a full investigation into Franklin Community High School’s handling of sexual assault complaints. We believe that survivors of sexual misconduct deserve justice. Public school child sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Were you or your child sexually abused while attending Franklin Community High? Our experienced lawyers can help. Our only goal is to support sexual abuse survivors and their families.
Sexual abuse and inappropriate relationships between students and teachers are unacceptable. These cases can raise a storm of painful and distressing emotions, from anger and shock to shame and embarrassment. We understand, and you are not alone.
Help is available. Our caring and compassionate Indiana sexual abuse attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options in a free, confidential consultation. No survivor should be silenced. You have the strength inside to step forward and tell your story. We can help.
Few details about the case have been made public, although it is clear that the allegations involve a student at the school. Franklin Community High put Brickens on suspension shortly after becoming aware of the allegations, WTHR reports.
His role at the school is now pending an investigation by the Franklin Police Department. During the investigation, Brickens is not allowed to step foot on school property.
Under Indiana child sexual abuse law a charge of child seduction involves allegations of sexual conduct between a child care worker such as a teacher over the age of 18 and a minor student between the ages of 16 and 18.
It encompasses conduct of a sexual nature, including sexual intercourse, deviate sexual conduct and any fondling or touching with the intent to arouse either the child or the adult. Child seduction comes with a maximum prison sentence of 1.5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Franklin Community High School authorities say they first became aware of the allegations against Brickens on Monday, October 1, 2018. He was arrested a day later. Brickens is 28 years old.
Officials for Franklin Community High say that Brickens was on his second year at the school. At Franklin, he directed six choir ensembles and served as a teacher in the music department. Previous to to his time at Franklin, Brickens worked for four years for the Center Grove school district, which serves students in Greenwood and Bargersville.
Brickens was a teacher at Center Grove Middle School Central, according to the Indy Star. He taught music and coached football and girls track at the school. Center Grove officials have confirmed that Brickens is no longer associated with the school. A spokesperson for Center Grove, Stacy Conrad, told reporters at the Daily Journal that they had not received any complaints involving students against Brickens.
Brickens also occasionally worked as an independent contractor for Greenwood schools during musicals and choir concerts.
Learn more: Indiana Swim Coach Faces Federal Charges Of Minor Sexual Assault
In a statement sent to choir parents, school principal Steve Ahaus praised a number of children who had come forward with information. “It was not an easy decision for those students,” Ahaus wrote, “but they absolutely did the right thing.
“We stress at every opportunity we have with students the importance of reporting what they hear and know. We are thankful for what these students did and want to make sure they are supported in the coming days.”
Franklin Community High School has made counseling services available to students. Brickens is a resident of Franklin, Indiana, living at 1138 Fiesta Drive. “He’s a young dude and worked with the choir kids,” says Parker Shepard, a recent graduate of the school. “Shocking, but at the same time, it’s not.”
