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MD Schools Hired Teacher with History of Sexual Misconduct

Posted on November 26, 2024December 17, 2024 by Loni Liss

Mark Planamente, a former teacher, has been linked to allegations of inappropriate communications with students at multiple schools in Maryland for over a decade. His sexual misconduct within the Maryland school system went unchecked and allowed for ten years.

He was hired by several Maryland schools, including Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the Catholic High School of Baltimore, and Sisters Academy of Baltimore, even after numerous reports of misconduct.

Public and private schools have a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of all students. Parents trust that when their children go to school, they will be in a safe environment, free from harm by staff members with histories of misconduct.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused as a minor by a teacher or school staff member in Maryland, you are not alone. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Yost Legal Group are here to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse seek justice.

We are committed to holding negligent institutions accountable and helping survivors secure the compensation they deserve. If you were sexually abused in a public school or sexually abused by a teacher, seek legal representation.

Contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free, confidential consultation. Call or text us at 410-659-6800. Our experienced legal team is here to support you.

Maryland Schools Criticized for Weak Safeguards Against Grooming

An alarming report from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education highlights failures within Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and several private schools in the Baltimore area.

The July 2024 report revealed systemic issues, including a clear definition of “grooming,” insufficient guidelines, and inadequate standardized training for conducting background checks.

These gaps created a dangerous environment that enabled individuals like teacher Mark Planamente to pose a risk to students.

While the Inspector General did not fault specific schools, the system still allowed this individual to “slip through the cracks,” as noted by the Baltimore Sun.

Grooming, as outlined in Maryland law (Md. Code, Educ. 6-113.1), is identified as “Sexual misconduct means an act by an adult, including an oral, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication, or a physical activity directed toward or with a minor that is designed to promote a romantic or sexual relationship with the minor.”

A Timeline of Grooming Allegations Against Mark Planamente

August 2006 to January 2015

According to the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education’s (OIGE) findings (read the entire document here) and as reported by The Baltimore Sun and CBS News, Mark Planamente got his first job with BCPS in August of 2006.

The first reported incident the OIGE investigation found was from October 2014, when a student’s mother asked the school to terminate Mr. Planamente. The mother found a message from Planamente on her daughter’s Twitter account. He asked his student if she “had a crush on him.”

Despite the mother’s protestations and the clear evidence of inappropriate direct message communications with a minor, the school did not fire Planamente. Instead, it allowed him to resign in January 2015.

July 2016 to early November 2021

Citing the OIGE investigation, WYPR reported that Planamente secured a new job in 2016 as a substitute teacher and coach at The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a private, all-girls high school in northeast Baltimore City. The school promoted him to a full-time position in 2017.

In 2019, Maryland Code, Education Article §6-113.2 became law. As the OIGE report states, “This section required … mandatory screen processes of prospective employees who would have direct contact with minors.” The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides further information on the amendment.

Since the Catholic High School of Baltimore hired Planamente before the 2019 amendment, his previous incident of inappropriate communication with a minor, while employed by BCPS, was not disclosed.

Planamente worked for The Catholic High School until November 11, 2021. Earlier that month, Catholic placed him on administrative leave after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor student surfaced.

While the school supposedly investigated the serious allegations against him, Planamente resigned.

However, according to reporting from The Baltimore Sun’s Dillon Mullan, who reached out to Catholic High for a response to OIGE’s findings, there was no investigation into Planamente’s supposed inappropriate relationship with a student.

Catholic High’s spokesperson Megan Morales said, “the school did not know of any allegations when Planamente resigned.”

Sexual abuse in schools can cause years of post-traumatic stress disorder. The Child Victims Act of Maryland removes the statute of limitations for many child molestation cases.

An experienced child sexual abuse lawyer can help you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit as a victim of sexual abuse.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that happened in a Maryland school, The Yost Legal Group is here to help. We want to get you the justice you deserve. Call or text us today for a free consultation with an experienced sexual assault lawyer at 410-659-6800.

Late November 2021 to early February 2022

Spokesperson Morales said that Catholic High was unaware of any allegations against Planamente. They had not been investigating claims of sexual misconduct against him.

In the report, Morales continued:

“It is our hope that this report will result in the state defining behaviors that don’t meet the legal standard for child sexual abuse, often referred to as grooming, which schools are trained to view as red flags for possible future abusive conduct.”

The OIGE report revealed that Planamente was hired by Sisters Academy of Baltimore only three weeks after he left The Catholic High School of Baltimore. Sisters Academy is a private, all-girls middle school located in southwest Baltimore.

This time, Planamente was subject to the 2019 law requiring background checks for individuals who would have direct contact with minors.

Planamente reportedly lied on his background forms by marking “No” for questions about whether he, as the applicant, had previously been fired or asked to resign from a position for misconduct.

The OIGE report shows a systematic failure

“On November 30, 2021, Sisters Academy received the Form from Catholic High indicating a ‘yes’ response to the question regarding whether an individual had been disciplined, discharged, nonrenewed, or asked to resign from employment while allegations of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct were pending or under investigation…”

The unnamed hiring employee at Sisters Academy told the OIGE investigator that they found the response “alarming” and contacted someone at Catholic High directly.

The Catholic High School employee relayed to the Sisters Academy employee that Planamente had been exchanging e-mails with a student that were deemed “unprofessional and inappropriate” but that there was no ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse.

Despite agreeing that the e-mails were “unprofessional and inappropriate,” the Sisters Academy employee still hired Planamente because they “faced an urgent need for teachers.”

An employee with multiple recent “red flags” should never have been placed in a position to interact directly with children. The risks are too great, and ensuring child safety must always come first.

And despite asking a student in a private message on social media if she liked him, the BCPS employee who completed the screening form for Planamente’s application to Sisters Academy checked “No” on all questions about abuse and misconduct with minors.

February 11, 2022 to present

On Friday, February 11, 2022, Mark Planamente was arrested and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Planamente pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. The judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison with five years suspended.

Protecting Vulnerable Children: The Urgent Need for School Accountability

For nearly a decade, schools and their reporting systems failed to protect vulnerable children from harm.

The first report of grooming involving Planamente was almost 10 years ago. However, a faulty system allowed a predator to operate without restrictions. This happened in both public and private schools, despite many reports of inappropriate communication with minors.

Schools have a critical responsibility to protect their students. The recent OIGE report reveals a deeply troubling reality. One that a child predator was allowed to operate within school systems for years, continuing to interact with minors.

While the report stops short of directly assigning blame, the facts demand action. Institutions must strengthen safeguards immediately to ensure no child is at such risk again.

Speak Out Against Abuse—Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard

Protecting children requires immediate action and accountability. We must ensure that every reporting system functions effectively and that schools are held to the highest safety standards.

Parents, educators, and community members deserve answers—and steps must be taken now to ensure history does not repeat itself.

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor by a Maryland school teacher or staff member, you may have a case. No matter how long ago the sexual assault or rape happened, we may be able to help you seek justice.

You have a voice, and you deserve to be heard. Contact our law firm to learn about your legal rights and how we can fight to hold your abuser accountable.

Are you ready to tell your story? Contact the compassionate childhood sexual abuse lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today.

All conversations are free and confidential. Call or text us today: 410-659-6800.

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Helping Survivors of Montrose School Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Loni Liss

Our client, at the young age of 13 years old, entered the corridors of Montrose School in 1987. He experienced the worst kind of betrayal and child sexual abuse within a system designed to protect vulnerable youth.

Enduring unspeakable horrors at the hands of those entrusted with his care and rehabilitation, our client’s story is not an isolated incident. It reflects pervasive neglect and misconduct within facilities governed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).

Today, The Yost Legal Group stands firm in its commitment to represent survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We bring justice against those who turned their backs on innocent children and allowed such abuses to occur.

If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, contact an institutional sexual abuse lawyer at The Yost Legal Group. Our legal group is here to support and guide you through filing a claim against the state of Maryland. Our experienced attorneys work closely with survivors of sexual abuse and sex crimes.

Seeking Justice for Survivors of Montrose School Abuse

The Montrose School was established to nurture troubled youth through rehabilitation and education. It was supposed to be a haven where the young could be redirected towards brighter futures.

However, for many individuals like our client, it became a place where nightmares were lived out daily.

Mr. Bowman, an authority figure meant to provide guidance and protection, instead preyed on our client, a vulnerable youth at Montrose. He committed sexual acts so abhorrent that they left lasting scars on many vulnerable youths.

When our client confided in Ms. Hawkins, a staff member at Montrose, about these sexual assaults, what should have been a turning point toward safety instead spiraled into another chapter of exploitation.

Ms. Hawkins abused this trust by starting her own harmful sexual relationship with our client. This worsened his trauma.

These actions show serious problems in institutions meant to protect minors. The Yost Legal Group aims to address these issues by holding these institutions accountable.

Protecting children from sexual predators must always be at the forefront of juvenile detention centers and all children’s organizations.

Maryland Abuse Survivors, Take the First Step

We are helping survivors of Maryland who suffered abuse in an institutional environment fight back.

– Rape in juvenile detention centers

– Sexual abuse in schools

– Catholic church molestation

– Sexual abuse by teachers

– Sexual abuse in public schools

– Sexual abuse in hospitals

– Rape in foster care

Your Voice Matters: Fight Against Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

The DJS bears responsibility in this narrative. As a child-serving agency, it has strong authority over juvenile welfare centers like Montrose School. It looks after these children’s lives, including their education, rehabilitation, safety, and well-being.

Yet beneath this umbrella of state-sanctioned control lay opportunities for child sexual abuse that went unchecked until brave survivors stepped forward.

Empowering survivors is crucial for individual healing and systemic change. Each voice raised exposes cracks in institutional armor that must be addressed to reform juvenile justice systems across Maryland—and beyond.

Empowering Maryland Survivors to Claim Justice

By representing child sexual abuse claims against state entities involved in these abuses alongside other government agencies complicit through negligence or active participation—The Yost Legal Group aims to seek justice.

Even though promises were made, children sent to Montrose discovered a deteriorating, overcrowded, and understaffed facility.

They were molested and exposed to a long history of abuse by both staff and other residents, leaving them deeply traumatized. Many suffer to this day from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Montrose’s institutional failures were notorious well before the Maryland State Legislature closed it in 1988.

Known as an overcrowded holding facility for juveniles, its excessive use of solitary confinement was particularly notorious.

Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Abuse Lawyers

Numerous victims allege they reported the abuse, yet facility administrators took no action. Beyond correctional officers, accusations also involve nurses, teachers, and counselors.

Some juvenile offenders in Montrose reported their abusers coerced them into sexual acts by promising extra food, phone calls, outdoor time, and other incentives. Others described facing threats of violence, solitary confinement, extended sentences, and transfers to more severe facilities.

Montrose School closed in 1988 due to severe issues, including incidents of suicide, self-harm, and both physical and sexual abuse involving staff and students.

Hundreds of Maryland youth at the Montrose School under state care suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Individuals in positions of trust and authority misused their roles to commit appalling acts of abuse against youth.

Because of the new Child Victims Act, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Maryland is removed for many. Regardless of how long ago your abuse occurred, we may be able to seek justice and compensation for you.

A Broken Jail System Leads to Years of Trauma

Maryland’s juvenile detention centers have been a breeding ground for abuse rather than rehabilitation. The very institutions meant to protect and reform troubled youth became harbors for predators exploiting vulnerable children.

These facilities were meant to be places of correction and hope. Instead, they continued cycles of victimization. This left deep psychological scars on many young people.

The impact of child molestation extends far beyond the immediate physical violations endured by victims. For many survivors, the psychological ramifications are profound and debilitating.

Trust issues become deeply ingrained, relationships suffer, and self-worth diminishes. Understandably, this has led some victims into lives defined by criminal behavior or even suicide.

Counseling services are available and accessible for those to begin processing their trauma in a safe environment.

In addition to emotional healing resources, legal recourse is pivotal in addressing past wrongs while preventing future incidents. Survivors deserve justice—a validation that what they suffered was wrong.

Justice for Montrose School Abuse Survivors – Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one were at the Montrose facility in Maryland and suffered sexual abuse, contact The Yost Legal Group. Our child sexual abuse lawyers will fight to hold your abusers and the failing Maryland juvenile detention system accountable.

Our sexual assault lawyers will work to seek financial compensation for the trauma and abuse you suffered under state care. We will file a lawsuit, provide legal representation to you, and explain the legal process.

If you are a sexual assault survivor and suffered molestation and child sexual abuse in a Maryland juvenile detention center, contact our law office for help and guidance. We offer a 100% free consultation.

Contact us at 1-800-967-8529 or fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly. If someone sexually victimized you, that was not your fault. We will file a child sexual abuse case on your behalf.

The Yost Legal Group Does Not Charge Anything Upfront.

Our child abuse lawyers will listen to your story and represent you without you having to pay anything in advance. We get paid after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due.

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Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center Child Sexual Abuse Claims

Posted on July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by Loni Liss

It is a heartbreaking reality that child sexual abuse occurs in juvenile detention centers across Baltimore. Vulnerable young individuals should be protected against molestation in juvenile jails, but often they are not.

The trauma of child sexual abuse in Baltimore juvenile detention centers is being addressed through legal action, advocacy, and support services.

By law, DJS is a child-serving agency responsible for assessing the individual needs of referred youth and providing intake, detention, probation, commitment, and after-care services.

The mission of Thomas J.S. Waxter Children’s Center was to provide a high standard of services, including education, mental health, substance abuse, and recreation, within a safe and secure environment. The state-owned facility closed in 2022.

Former residents of the Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center have reported instances of staff members sexually abusing children for years. These claims include inappropriate touching, coerced sexual acts, and other forms of child exploitation.

Exposing the Hidden Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

Many survivors have shared their stories and are seeking justice for the trauma they endured while in the facility.

They are speaking out about their experiences and advocating for accountability. The survivors are seeking legal action to hold the facility responsible for the harm they experienced.

They are determined to seek justice for the trauma they suffered while under the facility’s care. These claims are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger issue of abuse in juvenile detention centers nationwide. This problem is widespread and affects many facilities across the country.

Holding Those in Power Accountable for Abuse in Juvenile Facilities

In these facilities, vulnerable youth can be targeted and exploited by those in charge because of power dynamics. This cycle of abuse must be addressed, and accountability must be held for those responsible.

For survivors of child sexual abuse at the Thomas Waxter Juvenile Detention Center, seeking support and healing is crucial. There are resources available, such as therapy, support groups, and legal assistance, to help individuals navigate their experiences and seek justice. It is important for survivors to know that they are not alone and that there is help available to them.

One of our clients had a horrifying experience at Thomas JS Waxter Children’s Center. His experience serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that take place behind closed doors. We must stop rape in juvenile detention centers.

Survivors who want to share their stories to help others.

When our client was ten years old, he was incarcerated at Thomas Waxter Children’s Center. After he arrived, a staff member named Mr. Smitty subjected him to repeated sexual abuse in 1989. He would pull our young client into his sleeping area and rape him.

Mr. Smitty then began to bring in another gentleman named Mr. Rogers. Our client was subjected to serious physical injuries as a victim of sexual assault.

Eventually, Mr. Smitty went on to work at Shake and Bake, a local roller skating rink in Baltimore.

Repeated sexual assaults at the juvenile detention center ruined our client’s life. His experience at such a young age highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within Baltimore’s juvenile detention system.

The trauma inflicted upon our client had long-lasting consequences, leading to struggles with incarceration, substance abuse, and trust issues. Our sexual abuse lawyers are committed to breaking the cycle of child abuse through legal action and support for survivors.

Are You a Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse?

The prevalence of child sexual abuse in Baltimore juvenile detention centers is a systemic issue that demands attention and action from both the city and state authorities. Survivors deserve justice, validation, and compensation for the unimaginable harm they have endured.

The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 offers hope for survivors to come forward, seek legal recourse, and hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous actions. The Child Victims Act removes the statute of limitations for sexual assault victims.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in a Baltimore juvenile jail, know that you are not alone.

The Yost Legal Group is here to provide compassionate legal representation and support as you navigate the path toward justice and healing. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of these cases.

We will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

Coming forward to tell your truth can start the healing process.

Your story matters, your pain is valid, and you deserve justice. By reaching out to us at 1-800-Yost-Law, you can take the first step towards reclaiming your power. Men and women have come forward to understand the legal process.

You can seek accountability and justice for those responsible for your suffering. There is no cost to speak with us; we work on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we secure a successful recovery on your behalf.

At The Yost Legal Group, we have experienced attorneys for child sexual abuse. They will work with you at your pace and within your comfort level. All information is held completely confidential, and your case can be filed confidentially.

If you suffered abuse as a minor in a juvenile jail, we can file a sexual abuse case for you. A sexual assault lawyer will work closely with you to file a lawsuit.

We’re holding Baltimore Juvenile Detention Centers accountable.

Survivors have the right to seek justice, heal from their wounds, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

By standing together as a community of survivors and allies, we can create a safer future for all vulnerable individuals who enter the juvenile justice system.

Call our sexual abuse attorneys at 800-967-8529 for a free consultation. We will explain your rights under the Maryland Child Victims Act and let you know what to expect when we file a claim on your behalf.

A child abuse lawyer will stand by you during the entire process. Contact us today so we can work to seek compensation for you.

We proudly and passionately defend sexual assault survivors. Your story matters – let us help you rewrite it with strength, courage, and resilience.

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Catholic Church Sexual Abuse and the Path to Justice

Posted on February 1, 2024April 5, 2024 by Loni Liss

The unwavering trust and faith that congregants once had in the Catholic Church has been shaken by disturbing reports of abuses committed within their ranks. Catholic Church sexual abuse has traumatized so many children and families throughout Maryland.

The institutional coverup against the molestation of thousands of children extended over decades. In no place were these abuses more deeply ingrained than the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Our compassionate team of lawyers is here for church sexual abuse survivors. We are committed to giving individuals a platform to be heard and a safe place to share their stories.

Time is limited for you to seek justice against the harmful actions of trusted clergy. You can contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529 for a confidential conversation to understand your rights.

A Legacy of Betrayal: The Archdiocese of Baltimore Scandal

The recent revelations from the report on the Archdiocese of Baltimore expose a disturbing truth.

Those meant to protect and serve have instead enabled and sheltered abusers, betraying the trust of their parishioners and tarnishing the sanctity of the Church.

For more than 80 years, a sinister culture of secrecy enabled a horrifying sequence of events to unfold. The survivors, burdened by the truth they carried, have endured many difficulties due to their trauma.

Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are committed to helping you through an essential part of your healing. You can take back your power by standing up and fighting back to make the Church accountable.

Survivors Sharing Their Stories of Abuse in Maryland

As a survivor of the Church’s betrayal many have lived with deep emotional scars. Many survivors have revealed that our confidential sanctuary is the first place they have shared their stories.

At The Yost Legal Group, our unwavering commitment is to listen, guide, and support. Your experience is significant. Together, we can bridge the gap between silent suffering and the start of a new beginning that belongs entirely to you.

A Beacon of Hope on the Road to Redemption

As dedicated lawyers representing survivors of Catholic church sexual abuse, we provide support and guidance.

Our approach goes beyond legal advocacy. We are empathetic as we fight for the rights that were violated by an institution led by coverups and greed.

You have a right, a voice, and a chance to be heard. Our role is to guide you through your legal options, explain the claim process, and provide support.

You do not have to pay anything upfront when we make your claim. We will handle your case on a contingent fee basis. We only get paid after we reach a financial recovery for you. And if there is no recovery, no fees or expenses are due.

We will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Please know that you are not alone; we stand as allies in your pursuit of a restored sense of self and justice.

Embracing Your Right to File a Claim: Time is of the Essence

Time is running out for survivors seeking to hold the Archdiocese accountable. Time is of the essence, as this window of opportunity is shortening because the Church filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.

For the brave survivors ready to take the next step, our doors are open to you. By making a confidential claim, you shine a light that validates your own truth and can potentially spare future innocents from similar ordeals.

Moving Forward with Unyielding Resolve

We recognize that this path is personal and unique. Our role is to walk it with you, providing strength in unity.

Your story, your church abuse claim, and your pursuit of justice are catalysts for change. We applaud you and your strength for standing up against your abuser and demanding change and accountability.

The Time for Action Is Now

We hope you take the vital step of contacting us for a free, confidential consultation.

Your voice has the power to break the cycle of abuse and ensure those responsible for perpetuating this unacceptable legacy are held accountable.

We stand ready to champion your cause, convey empathy without judgment, and be a steadfast ally in your journey.

It is time to act. It is time to seek the justice you deserve. Contact our dedicated team at 800-967-8529.

If you or a loved one was molested by any member or employee of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, you have a right to file a claim. You have a chance to come forward now to tell your truth in a safe, confidential environment. If you have any questions at all about the process of filing a claim, please give us a call. We would be happy to explain everything to you without any obligation.

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