Sexual Abuse LAWSUITS

Fighting for Survivors of Student Sexual Abuse in Maryland Schools

If you or someone you love was sexually abused at a school in Maryland, you may have grounds to pursue legal action and financial compensation for your damages.

Thanks to recently passed legislation, survivors of childhood sexual abuse now have unprecedented opportunities to seek justice. Maryland’s new law, which took effect on October 1, 2023, allows survivors who were sexually abused as minors at any time in the past to file civil lawsuits against responsible institutions. This includes public and private schools that failed to protect them.

Levy Konigsberg is a nationally recognized trial practice known for litigating sexual abuse lawsuits. Now, we’re helping a growing number of survivors explore their legal options for bringing Maryland child sexual abuse lawsuits under the state’s new law. If you have a potential case, we want to help.

Sex Abuse Scandals in Maryland Schools

Compensation Form

See If You Qualify For Compensation

First Name Last Name Phone Number Email Injury Is this for you or someone else? Myself Someone Else By clicking "Submit," I also confirm I have read and agreed to this website's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

How Do I Get Compensated?

Fill Out The Form

Fill in the form to see if you qualify.

Speak With Our Specialists

We'll review your submission quickly and then follow up with you.

Potential Compensation

Receive the justice and potential compensation that you and your loved ones deserve.

Sex Abuse Scandals in Maryland Schools

In recent years, schools across Maryland have been embroiled in sex abuse scandals. Through investigations, public record releases, and legal filings, it is clear that these and other schools across the state have struggled with pervasive sexual abuse problems for years, and that school officials have routinely faced claims related to their negligence in protecting students, improper hiring and supervision of employees and teachers, and their failure to adequately respond to allegations. Some examples include:

Calvert Hall College High School (Towson, Baltimore County)

In April 2025, lawsuits were filed claiming that 19 people were sexually abused at Calvert Hall College High School, an all-boys Catholic school, between 1969 and 1990. The lawsuits alleged that Calvert Hall staff ignored and covered up the abuse and failed to properly vet those they hired.

The accused perpetrators include:

- Rev. Laurence Brett
- Rev. Francis “Father Fran” LeFevre
- Rev. Jerome “Father Jeff” Toohey
- Brother Geoffrey Xavier Langan
- An unnamed science teacher

All of the accused were named in the 2023 Maryland Attorney General’s report on sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The Talmudical Academy (Pikesville, Baltimore County)

In April 2025, a former student at the Talmudical Academy, a Jewish Orthodox boarding school, filed a lawsuit over alleged sexual abuse perpetrated against him from 1971 to 1974 when he was 14 to 17 years old. Rabbi Ephraim Shapiro, a former dormitory counselor at the school, allegedly groomed, raped and sexually abused the victim for several years. The school allegedly rehired Shapiro in 1972, even though he had been accused of abusing minors during the 1960s. The school also allegedly allowed the victim to leave campus unsupervised, where he was allegedly raped by a driver while hitchhiking to a store.

McDonogh School (Owings Mills, Baltimore County)

- In March 2025, over a dozen former students of the McDonogh School in Baltimore County accused former school leaders of sexual abuse dating back to the 1960s. Former Dean, Alvin Levy, former Spanish teacher, Robert Creed, and two other staff members allegedly sexually abused them between the 1960s and 1980s. The school allegedly was aware of the abuse but failed to protect students.

Northeast High School (Pasadena, Anne Arundel County)

In July 2023, Karl Houston Walls, a former teacher at Northeast High School in Pasadena, was arrested and charged with sexually abusing two students. In addition to incidents that occurred on school property, Walls is also accused of holding a knife against one of the victims.

Mass Tort vs. Class Action

Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:

Individual Perpetrator

The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.

Institutions and Organizations

If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.

Employers

If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.

Property Owners

If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.

Government Entities

In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.

Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action.