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.
In a disturbing case that has shaken the Indiana school community, Brittany Fortinberry, a 34-year-old educator, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape, child seduction, and sexual misconduct. Authorities allege that Fortinberry manipulated and coerced multiple high school students—many of them underage—into engaging in sexual acts at her residence. These incidents reportedly involved blindfolds and masks, adding a deeply troubling layer of psychological manipulation to the abuse.
Fortinberry was employed at Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana, where she worked closely with students in an instructional role. The investigation began after law enforcement received credible reports of inappropriate sexual conduct involving Fortinberry and several male students. According to police, the abuse took place over several months, often in her home, and involved scenarios that suggest premeditation and a calculated abuse of power.
Victims stated they were coerced into performing sexual acts under the guise of “games” or were lured to her residence under false pretenses. In some instances, they were blindfolded or masked—tactics believed to have been used to dehumanize and control the students while concealing their identities from one another. Investigators have charged Fortinberry with 19 felony counts, and she remains in custody at the Lake County Jail without bond.
While this case is horrifying on its own, it unfortunately highlights a larger, systemic issue that continues to plague educational institutions across the country. Reports of teachers and staff exploiting their authority for sexual gratification have steadily increased, underscoring the urgent need for schools to enforce stricter policies and oversight.
Educators are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping young lives. When that trust is broken—as it allegedly was in this case—the emotional and psychological toll on students can be long-lasting and severe. The Fortinberry case raises important questions: How was she able to maintain access to students while engaging in such egregious behavior? Were there missed warning signs or overlooked complaints?
Additionally, this case brings attention to an often overlooked truth: boys can be victims of sexual abuse, too. Societal stigmas and outdated gender norms frequently discourage male survivors from coming forward, leading to underreporting and long-term emotional damage. It's essential to create safe, supportive environments where all survivors—regardless of gender—feel empowered to speak their truth.
As the criminal proceedings against Brittany Fortinberry continue, survivors and their families may also consider pursuing civil legal action. A civil lawsuit provides an opportunity not only to hold the abuser personally accountable but also to expose potential institutional negligence and seek financial compensation for the suffering endured.
Civil claims can provide compensation for:
Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
Medical and mental health treatment
Lost educational or career opportunities due to the abuse
Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life
Punitive damages in particularly egregious cases
In many instances, civil cases also help uncover systemic failures—such as insufficient staff oversight, lax reporting protocols, or ignored red flags—that can be addressed to protect future students.
At Abuse Guardian Indiana, our mission is to help survivors of sexual abuse reclaim their voice and their power. Attorney Jeff Gibson, a seasoned trial lawyer with a deep commitment to justice, is here to support those affected by the actions of Brittany Fortinberry—or by any form of institutional abuse.
If you or a loved one suffered abuse at the hands of Brittany Fortinberry or anyone in a position of authority, please know that you are not alone, and you have rights. We are here to help you take the next step—whether that’s learning more about your legal options, starting a civil claim, or simply speaking to someone who will listen without judgment.
Your first consultation is always free and confidential. We will treat your case with the care, discretion, and determination it deserves.
Call now or visit us at: https://abuseguardian.com/sexual-assault-lawyer/indiana/
Let us help you take back control and move forward toward healing, justice, and peace of mind.
Source:
