Matthew Joseph Shelton : “Former Benicia teacher faces new sexual abuse allegations”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Benicia teacher sexual abuse allegations
2. Former teacher accused of sexual abuse in Benicia

The Benicia Unified School District is facing a second lawsuit for alleged failure to prevent sexual abuse by a former teacher at Robert Semple Elementary School. Four students accuse Matthew Joseph Shelton of harassment and abuse during the 2022-23 school year. Shelton faces seven felony counts of lewd acts with a child. The district’s legal team will review the claims upon receiving the legal documents. The lawsuit alleges the district should have known Shelton was unfit to be a teacher. The district continues to face scrutiny over its hiring and handling of the allegations. Plans are underway to improve protocols in response to the allegations.

The Benicia Unified School District is currently embroiled in a legal battle as it faces a second lawsuit stemming from alleged sexual abuse by a former teacher at Robert Semple Elementary School. The incident, which took place during the 2022-23 school year, has raised serious concerns about the district’s handling of the situation.

**Allegations of Sexual Abuse**

Four students have come forward with allegations against Matthew Joseph Shelton, a former teacher at the school. The students claim that Shelton, 42, harassed and abused them during his time at Robert Semple Elementary. Shelton was later charged with seven felony counts of lewd acts with a child, based on allegations made by two victims. The victims in the criminal case are not involved in the new lawsuit.

**District’s Response**

The lawsuit accuses Benicia Unified of failing to take appropriate measures to prevent the abuse and of negligence in its duty to protect students. Before joining Benicia Unified, Shelton had a history of similar allegations in Napa, where he was acquitted of charges of sexually abusing students.

**Parent’s Perspective**

One mother, identified as Jane Doe 4, expressed her shock and dismay at the situation, stating that her daughter’s innocence was taken away. She emphasized the importance of accountability and ensuring her daughter’s voice is heard in the midst of this troubling situation.

**Ongoing Legal Battles**

This is the second lawsuit filed against Benicia Unified in a matter of weeks, as the district continues to face scrutiny over its hiring practices and response to allegations. The district has launched an independent review of its protocols and is taking steps to improve its processes based on recommendations from the review.

**District’s Review and Response**

The district has enlisted the help of consultant Sherri Beetz to conduct an audit of its hiring and training procedures. While the audit praised the district’s hiring practices, questions remain about how such allegations could have occurred under their watch.

**Looking Ahead**

Despite the challenges faced by the district, Superintendent Damon Wright remains committed to improving processes and ensuring the safety of students. The district is moving forward with plans to enhance protocols related to field trips and volunteers, as well as implementing new communication policies.

**Legal Battles Continue**

Meanwhile, Shelton is seeking to block the release of records related to his past complaints, claiming it would affect his ability to receive a fair trial. The mother of Jane Doe 4 is considering pursuing criminal charges against Shelton to seek justice for her daughter and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

In the midst of these troubling developments, the Benicia Unified School District is facing a critical moment in its history as it navigates legal challenges and works towards improving its processes to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.