Trial Magazine

Doe, a 14-year-old student with special needs, was assigned to work with paraeducator Jayleen Bowman. Shortly after, Bowman allegedly began to groom and then sexually abuse Doe for approximately two months. The two allegedly had sexual intercourse at least 10 times, among other sexual activity. Bowman also allegedly used marijuana with Doe and sent him sexually explicit messages and images. Doe suffered significant trauma, substance abuse issues, and academic difficulties.

Doe’s mother, individually and as his guardian, sued the Central Valley School District No. 356, alleging violations of the Washington Law Against Discrimination, negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, outrage, and other statutory violations. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendant ignored warning signs about Bowman and should have prevented the abuse.

The parties settled for $2.05 million, plus $285,000 in legal fees.

Citation: Doe v. Central Valley Sch. Dist., No. 22-02266-32 (Wash. Super. Ct. Spokane Cnty. Sept. 15, 2023).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Darrell L. Cochran, Kevin M. Hastings, and Bridget T. Grotz, all of Seattle; and Thomas Farrell, Spokane, Wash.