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Hi - I'm Brian. I am an attorney that practices in PA, NJ, NY, and IL. I am a former sex crimes prosecutor and my day-to-day cases are almost exclusively helping survivors of sexual abuse get justice. My team and I are ready to help.
Matthew Rennie, a 30-year-old former teacher, and coach at Rutgers Preparatory School, recently plead guilty to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student while employed at the school. Ranait Griff, a fellow coach at the prep school, is now facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child for her failure to report her knowledge of the inappropriate relationship.
A lawsuit has revealed that the two grew close in 2019 after the sophomore confided to the coach that she was suffering emotional abuse from another coach at the prep school. The two began to text each other and have breakfast during their first-period study hall class, which was not uncommon in the prep school.
However, by March 2012, the teacher began to express his love for the student, and communication increased. In April 2021, the two reportedly kissed on the Easton Avenue campus for the first time. It was around this time that fellow coach and teacher, Ranait Griff, learned about the relationship. Rather than report the misconduct, Griff allegedly spoke to the student about how she felt and inquired when it would "start being physical?" According to a lawsuit, the two began to have sex at Rennie's house and in his car that summer and later twice on campus in September 2021.
Rennie was arrested on October 6, 2021, after the student's parents learned of the relationship. Griff was also arrested for failing to report the misconduct. Soon after the arrests, the school fired both teachers.
Parents of school sex abuse victims should explore their legal options by consulting with a sex abuse lawyer. These rights are intended to help protect their child from any further harm and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Under the law, victims of prep school sex abuse have the right to seek damages from their abusers, as well as the schools, if they can prove that the school had knowledge of the abuse and failed to take appropriate steps to protect the students. These damages can include payment for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the abuse.
The legal rights of victims of prep school sex abuse are important to recognize and defend. By taking action and exercising these rights, victims can seek the justice they deserve and help ensure that those who have suffered abuse are protected and supported.
