WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Interlochen Center for the Arts
Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan faces an abuse investigation covering accounts of sexual misconduct from the 1950s through the 2010s.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that students were sexually abused while attending the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan.
The Interlochen Center for the Arts is a performing arts boarding school and summer camp located in Interlochen, Michigan, in Grand Traverse County. The school operates both a year-round academy for high school students and a summer camp program, drawing students from around the world.
In 2024, an independent investigation found 70 accounts of sexual misconduct by nearly 50 adults affiliated with the school from the 1950s through the 2010s.
If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Sexual Abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse, include the following:
- In August 2026, it was reported that a former student alleged that Thomas Clower, his ballet teacher, sexually abused him in 2005 when he was 16 years old.
Clower allegedly touched the student’s genitals.
Clower was arrested in April 2005, pleaded guilty in June 2005 to attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced.
He was required to register as a sex offender.
Following his conviction, Clower continued to work as a dance teacher at studios in multiple states.
- In July 2026, findings from an independent investigation were released documenting 70 accounts of sexual misconduct by nearly 50 adults affiliated with the school from the 1950s through the 2010s.
The report described a pattern of grooming, inappropriate touching, and sexual abuse enabled by institutional oversight.
Four individuals named publicly are:
- Byron Hanson — faculty member and administrator, 1960–2015; seven independent direct reports of sexual misconduct in the 1960s and 1970s; deceased
- John “Jack” Hood — faculty member and administrator, 1963–1979, with seasonal roles until 2004; four independent direct reports of sexual misconduct; deceased
- Charlie McWhorter — former trustee, 1970–1999; two independent direct reports of sexual misconduct; deceased
- Thomas Clower — arts faculty member, 2003–2005; convicted of criminal sexual conduct in 2005; registered sex offender
- Jeffrey Epstein — donor and alum; two alumni reported sexual contact after meeting him through Interlochen; died in federal custody in 2019
The report documented two alumni accounts of sexual contact by Jeffrey Epstein, a former donor and alum between 1990 and 2003.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a teacher or staff at a school.
- The abuse occurred at any school.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold schools accountable for their failures to stop abusive teachers and staff.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Determining the statute of limitations that applies to your sexual abuse case against a Michigan school can be challenging, which is why it is best to bring your matter to the attention of an experienced lawyer.
We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse in schools. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing legal representation and support to survivors, and we are actively investigating allegations of abuse. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that future generations of young people are safe from harm within these institutions.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.