*Released on January 23, 2017
Investigation Continues – Sex Abuse of Students at Advent Home Learning Center (Calhoun, TN) & Miracle Meadows School (Salem, WV)
The nationally recognized law firm of Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is currently investigating allegations of sex abuse and assault at Seventh Day Adventist schools in Tennessee and West Virginia. The firm’s sex abuse victim’s lawyers represent multiple individuals and families whose children attended one of the schools. If you are a victim or witness, please contact our firm immediately. Call 800-220-7600.
Attorney Guy D’Andrea is a former prosecutor who handles similar cases against schools, churches and medical professionals. He helps his clients navigate the criminal court system while simultaneously protecting their legal rights in the civil court system.
Abuse Allegations at Advent Home Learning Center and Miracle Meadows School
The two schools in question, Advent Home Learning Center in Calhoun, Tennessee and Miracle Meadows School in Salem, West Virginia, are currently closed.
Related News: Child Molestation Allegations at ReJoyce Christian School in Hainesport, New Jersey
The Miracle Meadows School has a documented history with the Department of Health and Human Resources. In a 2000 West Virginia court case, the school was investigated for allegations of sex abuse made by two female students. See West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources v. Clark d/b/a Miracle Meadows School (Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia).
Last year, the director of the Miracle Meadows School was convicted of various crimes related to child neglect/abuse and failing to report. The local sheriff’s department uncovered multiple allegations of sex abuse and physical assault at the school. The director was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 5 years of probation. Another school employee’s criminal case is still pending.
Both schools were affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and were boarding schools which targeted at-risk youth, including those with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Also, both schools were considered alternative, private schools for grades 6-12.
Child Molestation in the Seventh Day Adventist Church
The Seventh Day Adventist Church has come under fire in recent years due to multiple reports of child molestation at church-affiliated schools. Most recently, two educators in the Northwest were arrested and charged with child molestation. In one case, the victim was 10 years old. See Former Sequim principal, teacher pleads guilty to sex charges; faces 24 years in prison, www.peninsuladailynews.com. (accessed on January 21, 2017).
From Our School Abuse Law Library:
- Firm Files Lawsuit Against PA College and Fraternity for Assault, Murder of Student (January 18, 2017) The firm files a federal lawsuit against Millersville University, a fraternity and other parties for the murder of Karlie Hall, an 18 year old student. The lawsuit alleges that the school committed acts that led to her assault and murder.
- Pennsylvania Catholic Church – Priest Sex Abuse Investigations Ongoing (September 22, 2016) About 10 Catholic Church dioceses in Pennsylvania have been investigated for covering up reports that priests molested children.
- Iowa Teacher, Arrested for Sex Abuse of Student, Blames School District (August 10, 2016) A teacher in Iowa has been criminally charged with sexually exploiting a student. She claims that school officials knew of the relationship, but did not take any action.