In 2022, Grandview School District near Yakima, Wash., agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a sex abuse claim brought by a former middle school student, C.M.A., who suffered years of abuse perpetrated by one of its teachers, Charles (“Chuck”) Adams. Following the settlement, law enforcement referred the case for criminal charges, which were recently filed, more than a year later, by the Yakima County Prosecutor’s office, according to the attorneys who represented C.M.A, Julie E. Kline and Sergio A. Garcidueñas-Sease from Seattle-based law firm Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB).

The student was 12 years old and in the 7th grade at Grandview Middle School when Adams started grooming her and began cultivating an inappropriate relationship. The abuse escalated over time to include vaginal and anal rape, and sexual humiliation and punishment, lasting throughout her high school years, according to court documents.

SGB filed a tort claim on C.M.A’s behalf in April 2022, giving the school district notice of C.M.A’s intent to pursue legal action, which prompted the Grandview Police Department to launch a criminal investigation into Adams. In 2023, Grandview PD referred the case to the prosecuting attorney for charges. On January 10, 2024, the Yakima County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney charged Adams with three counts of second degree child molestation and six counts of third degree rape of a child.

“After more than a year has passed since this case settled, Chuck Adams is finally being held accountable by the criminal justice system for the years of abuse he inflicted on this student. While nothing will undo the irreparable harm he caused, this is a long-anticipated step in my client’s pursuit of justice,” said SGB attorney Sergio A. Garcidueñas-Sease.

C.M.A., who was born with disabilities, was still a middle school student when Adams’ behavior escalated to include fondling and forcing her to perform oral sex. These acts occurred in Adams’ classroom at Grandview Middle School.

Even after C.M.A. began attending Grandview High, Adams continued to have C.M.A. come to his classroom before or after school to sexually abuse her. Adams’ sexual abuse and emotional manipulation of C.M.A. lasted throughout her high school years. It escalated to include vaginal and anal rape, and sexual humiliation and punishment, including calling her his “sex slave.”

“The severity and frequency of the sexual abuse is horrifying, especially considering that most of it occurred in a classroom, on school grounds. While Adams has remained employed by the district that allowed this abuse to happen, we hope they will take action to terminate him now that criminal charges have been filed against him,” Garcidueñas-Sease said. “Schools are meant to be a safe haven for our children.”

Other middle school staff witnessed C.M.A.’s frequent appearances at the school and in Adams’ classroom. Records show that no school staff ever reported their observations or concerns regarding Adams’ behavior towards C.M.A.

“The inappropriate behavior and special attention by Adams towards this student were apparent to other students and staff, but no report was made, nor any steps taken to investigate. It is unconscionable,” Garcidueñas-Sease added. “It allowed Adams to continue to manipulate and perpetrate his sexual abuse of this child for years, causing immeasurable damage. Situations such as this are the very reason we have mandatory reporting laws.”