Rhine Law Firm, P.C.’s Statement on Sex Abuse in Guilford County Schools
Greensboro, NC – On May 6, 2020, Rhine Law Firm, P.C. and Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C. issued a joint statement on their investigation into the Guilford County School District. As part of their representation of sex abuse survivors, the firms are finding out whether administrators and employees in the district were aware of sexual abuse and assault complaints against Christopher Arnell Holland before his arrest on March 12. Holland served the district as a teacher’s assistant and coach and has been indicted on multiple charges, including:
- Multiple counts of statutory rape,
- Statutory sex offenses with a child by an adult,
- Indecent liberties with a child,
- And other charges.
While Holland is in custody awaiting trial, Joel R. Rhine explains:
“In addition to the criminal case that is proceeding, our firms have been engaged to sue Holland in a civil action and to determine whether the school district had received any prior complaints concerning him. If evidence shows that there were complaints made by parents, teachers or students prior to the time that Holland is alleged to have committed such horrific acts on our clients, we will file suit against the district for its failure to report and take action.”
As part of the investigation, Rhine Law Firm, P.C. issued a Freedom of Information Act and Public Records request to the superintendent of the district. As of May 6, the firm has received no response.
Rhine Law Firm, P.C. is also filing a similar class-action claim against a middle and high school teacher who worked for the New Hanover County Board of Education over a 20-year-period and faces similar allegations. The firm hopes its work will put a stop to “the protection of predators by the school system.”
Attorney Martin Ramey emphasizes that the firm’s private investigation “could expose deficiencies within the school system relating to the handling and complaints of sexual assaults by teachers on students.”
The team at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. has also asked the media and public to respect the privacy of its clients due to the sensitive nature of the injuries involved. Attorneys also wanted to remind survivors of childhood sexual abuse and assault that Governor Roy Cooper has extended the statute of limitations until December 31, 2021, for all who wish to come forward.
Finally, the firm shared resources for those who have been affected, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
