The lawsuit claims David Mitchell used his position to sexually abuse children during individual art therapy sessions.
Two victims have filed a civil lawsuit against Gettysburg Montessori Charter School, alleging the school failed to protect minors after they were sexually assaulted by David Mitchell , the school’s former art therapist .
The lawsuit claims Mitchell used his position to sexually abuse children during individual art therapy sessions.Attorney Haley Kyllonen, who is representing the victims, said, 'Like any survivor of sexual abuse, this is something that they're going to deal with and have to work through their whole lives. So, it, of course, affects them and their families every single day.' Criminal complaint detailsAccording to the complaint, Mitchell was hired by the school in 2021 as an art therapist. Kyllonen said, 'The two victims in this case, we're seeing him in both individual sessions, art therapy sessions and group sessions. The abuse only occurred in those individual sessions.' The victims were 6 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.In 2024, the complaint states Mitchell was accused of sexually assaulting three other girls during at-home therapy sessions, though those cases are not part of this lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that after these accusations, the school notified parents that Mitchell’s art therapy sessions with students would be recorded instead of removing him from his role. 'Through that, the parents became aware that there were prior allegations, and that's how they were able to then speak with their children,' Kyllonen said. Mitchell pleads guilty, sentenced Mitchell pled guilty to indecent assault of a juvenile and one count of institutional sexual contact in March. He was sentenced to 22 to 56 months in prison and nine years of parole. It is unclear when Mitchell stopped working for the school or whether he was fired. Kyllonen said, 'The biggest thing is to hold them accountable for there to be policy change for these outside contractors to have more supervision and for the school to have more oversight over them.'School respondsThe Gettysburg Montessori Charter school replied to WGAL's request for comment this evening, saying, 'Gettysburg Montessori Charter School became aware of this matter today through media inquiries referencing a law firm’s online posting and related media reports. GMCS has not been served with any civil complaint and has not had the opportunity to review any formal pleading and, accordingly, cannot comment on allegations as presented in third-party accounts.'The statement also says Mitchell received criminal background checks and child abuse clearances as required by state law before being hired as an independent contractor at the school. Mitchell resigned from his role in December 2024, just two months before the school says they learned about the allegations against him. 'Upon learning of the allegations, GMCS took appropriate action, including communication with the appropriate authorities. The safety and well-being of students is a paramount concern of GMCS. Given the sensitive nature of this matter and student confidentiality requirements, GMCS will not comment further at this time.'
Attorney Haley Kyllonen David Mitchell Gettysburg Gettysburg Montessori Charter School Alleged Abuse Former Art Therapist David Mitchell School Civil Lawsuit Victim Individual Art Therapy Session Gettysburg Montessori Charter School Former Therapist Alleged Abuse Criminal Complaint Kyllonen Year Parent Case Child Institutional Sexual Contact
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
School Bus Driver in Virginia Arrested, Accused of Strangling Student on Way to SchoolA school bus driver in Virginia has been arrested after she was accused of strangling a student on the way to school, police confirmed
Read more »
AI-powered school model sparks debate over 2-hour classroom day at the Bennett SchoolStudents begin their day with a concentrated, two-hour academic block. The rest of the day is dedicated to athletic training and practice.
Read more »
State Board for Charter Schools reverses course on Primavera Online’s charter revocationElenee Dao joined ABC15 in August 2022 as a multimedia journalist.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Why won’t she leave me alone about my kids’ public school?My sister opted for a charter school, and it has really become a sticking point.
Read more »
Adams County charter school failed to protect kids from sexual abuse by therapist: lawsuitA civil lawsuit was filed in Adams County after two kids claimed they were sexually abused while receiving therapy services through the school.
Read more »
Former Gettysburg mayor faces new sexual assault chargesThe former mayor of Gettysburg is facing new charges related to sexual assault, according to court documents.
Read more »