Abington School District sued for allegedly failing to prevent sexual abuse by convicted school resource officer.

Two women have filed a lawsuit against the Montgomery County school district and the Abington Township Police Department, stemming from allegations of sexual abuse they endured as minors at Abington Senior High School. This complaint, lodged on Monday, points to systemic failures within both institutions that purportedly allowed the abuse to occur unimpeded.

The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Does N.B. and J.R., were both 17 years old and attending the school in 2023 when the alleged incidents took place. The accused individual, Jordan Jones, a former resource officer for the school, was 29 at the time of the abuse. Jones has since pleaded guilty to a felony charge involving sexual contact with a student, as well as an additional felony count relating to institutional sexual assault.

The lawsuit claims that prior to Jones’ arrest and subsequent dismissal from the police department, Abington officials neglected their legal and moral responsibilities to protect students from harm. Evidence presented in the lawsuit alleges that Jones engaged in inappropriate behavior on school grounds, including private meetings with the victims in his office that caused them to miss classes. Faculty reportedly failed to investigate these incidents or intervene despite observable red flags.

The suit further asserts that Jones spent excessive amounts of time with the victims, which included actions that undermined the professional boundaries expected of a school resource officer. This included escorting one victim to her classroom while misleadingly asserting to her teacher that they were discussing her academic performance. Additionally, the complaint notes that public comments made on social media platforms regarding Jones went ignored by school staff.

In November 2023, Jane Doe N.B. made an initial report of the abuse to a faculty member specializing in emotional support. However, the filing alleges that this educator did not relay the information to relevant authorities, including the school district or the Pennsylvania child abuse hotline. It was not until February 2024 that school officials notified law enforcement after the student reported the misconduct to a guidance counselor.

The lawsuit names several civil claims against the school district and the police department, including vicarious liability, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent failure to rescue. Both victims have reportedly experienced significant psychological impacts due to the abuse, prompting the plaintiffs to seek damages exceeding ,000.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Abington School District acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit but refrained from further comment on pending litigation. They emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety and well-being.

After being reported, Jordan Jones was placed on administrative leave and subsequently stripped of his police duties. An investigation led to his arrest after authorities intercepted phone calls where he acknowledged the illegality of his actions. In March, Jones was sentenced to nearly two years in prison and faces a seven-year probation period, alongside being mandated to register as a sex offender.

This unfolding case highlights serious ethical and operational lapses within educational and law enforcement institutions in safeguarding minors, raising questions about accountability and oversight. The allegations against Jones and the alleged negligence of school and police authorities warrant critical examination and response to ensure the safety of students in educational environments.