WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A TEACHER OR SCHOOL STAFF?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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NEW MEXICO SCHOOLS SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New Mexico Schools
When schools become places where abuse is not only committed but also concealed, the institutional betrayal against students is as damaging as the abuse itself. If you or a loved one has been harmed at a New Mexico school, contact us today.
Were you sexually abused?
Sex Abuse Scandals in New Mexico Schools
Sexual abuse has been a persistent issue within New Mexico’s public school system. According to a report by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), the New Mexico Public Schools Authority paid $33.6 million between 2012 and 2021 to settle 141 claims of sexual abuse and molestation.
Examples of alleged abuse, and of conditions likely to lead to abuse within New Mexico schools, include the following:
Las Cruces High School
- In March 2024, a federal jury awarded $44 million to a former student following a civil trial against Patrick Howard, a former agricultural sciences teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor at Las Cruces High School.
Howard allegedly inappropriately touched several female students.
In 2020, four federal civil cases were filed against Howard and Las Cruces Public Schools, three of which resulted in settlements. The jury in one case awarded the former student $11 million in compensatory damages and $33 million in punitive damages.
- In 2017, Howard allegedly sexually groomed a 15-year-old student by inappropriately touching her and sending her personal texts.
Hope Christian School (Alburquerque)
- In July 2025, charges were filed against Hope Christian School teacher Kelly McEachran for the alleged sexual abuse of multiple students.
In April 2025, an 11-year-old girl reported to her parents that McEachran had allegedly inappropriately touched her several times in the classroom. Another victim came forward, claiming that McEachran had allegedly touched her at school in 2017 when she was 10 years old.
- In October 2025, another former student filed a lawsuit alleging that McEarchran groomed and sexually assaulted her in 1994. The school allegedly pressured her to deny the abuse and punished her, which led to her dropping out.
Los Lunas High School
- In May 2023, a federal jury convicted Johnathon Bindues, a former girls’ basketball and track coach at Los Lunas High School, of coercion and enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
Between September 2020 and June 2021, Bindues allegedly requested nude images from the victim and sent her explicit photos of himself.
Grants High School
- In May 2024, it was reported that New Mexico State Police would pay $400,000 to a former student who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Adrian Molina, a former officer and girls’ soccer coach at Grants High School.
In 2019, Molina allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and later coerced her into meeting him again, where he raped her.
In 2022, the victim settled a lawsuit she had filed against the school district.
Pecos High School
- In May 2021, a federal grand jury indicted former Pecos High School assistant boys basketball coach Joshua Rico for allegedly sexually abusing four minors between 2018 and 2020.
Rico allegedly coerced the victims into sending compromising photos and used those as leverage to blackmail them. He allegedly threatened to publicly expose the photos online unless they provided more images or engaged in sexual acts with him.
LK is Investigating Sexual Abuse Claims in New Mexico Schools
Levy Konigsberg is investigating cases of sexual abuse and assault that occurred in New Mexico schools.
You may have a potential claim if you were sexually abused in any New Mexico school or districts, including but not limited to:
- Las Cruces High School
- Hope Christian School (Alburquerque)
- Los Lunas High School
- Grants High School
- Pecos High School
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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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
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
New Mexico Sexual Abuse Attorneys
The statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse lawsuits sets a deadline for victims to bring New Mexico child abuse claims against their abuser. Survivors of child sex abuse can file until age 24 or within three years of disclosing the abuse to a healthcare provider or counselor, whichever occurs later.
However, a proposed bill (HB 73) introduced in 2025 offers hope for change. This bill would provide better opportunities for victims to seek justice if passed. If passed, the bill would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases and open a permanent revival window for victims whose claims expired under the current statute of limitations.
Levy Konigsberg's experienced attorneys can help evaluate claims under these laws, including those for abuse that occurred years or even decades ago, and explain your rights and options.
Determining the statute of limitations that applies to your sexual abuse case against a New Mexico 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.