Two lawsuits have been filed against Long Branch schools by victims of former teachers’ sexual abuse
The latest suit was filed on January 8 in Freehold. It’s from the guardians of a fourth victim of Gustavo Barrientos, a former middle school teacher. He’s already been convicted for sexually assaulting minors. The lawsuit names Barrientos, the Long Branch Board of Education, and the school where he taught.
There are also some unnamed defendants listed as “John Does” in the court papers. Another suit was filed last month by a 47-year-old man from Ocean Township. He claims he was assaulted by a substitute teacher, Steven Willis, back in the early ’90s.
Barrientos, who’s 56 and from Tinton Falls, was arrested in February 2021 after a 10-year-old victim came forward. After that, three more victims stepped up. He got a hefty sentence of nine years, plus another eight years, and he’s on lifetime parole.
The guardians of the victims are looking for financial compensation for the harm caused. They say the injuries were due to the negligence of the school and its staff, who had a duty to protect the kids.
As for Willis, he’s 66 and lives in Atlantic City now. He hasn’t faced any criminal charges related to the allegations. One of the plaintiffs, known as J.R., claims he was abused while living with Willis after his stepfather passed away.
J.R. was just 16 or younger at the time, and the allegations include some pretty serious stuff, like underage drinking and drug use. His cousin also has a pending lawsuit against the school for similar claims against Willis.
Both lawsuits are seeking undisclosed amounts for damages and legal fees. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved, and the school district hasn’t commented on the matter yet.
