Ex-Springfield teacher sued in sexual abuse case

[Music] Two federal lawsuits were filed against a former Springfield teacher for sexual abuse of his students. >> 22 News reporter Ereta Odia live where a press conference was held about those settlements. Aretta, what have you learned? >> Yeah, that's right. Springfield based personal injury law firm Alecman Dedusa announced the approval of two settlements on behalf of two families. one for $13 million and one for $1.8 million and it's said to be paid by the city of Springfield who's listed as a defendant as well as former Springfield STEM Academy teacher Robert Gail and two principles at the school. This all began in 2023. Now, according to one of the court documents filed last month, a minor listed as Susie Doe was a seventh grade student at STEM Academy where she was sexually groomed, harassed, and abused by her teacher, Robert Gail, on a number of occasions. It also states that the city of Springfield and former principal Luis Martinez was aware of Gail's inappropriate behaviors towards female students, alleging prior complaints. In a press conference this afternoon, the family's attorneys calling it a significant moment in the pursuit of justice. At least one teacher reported early on that Robert Gail was giving one of the survivors rides home, which is against school policy, but nothing was done. Another teacher reported that Gail was allowing students to bypass the principal's office when they were in trouble and instead hang out with him in his classroom. All parties participated in a voluntary mediation in Boston federal court back in November and the settlements were approved by federal district court judge Robertson and are now being finalized and paid to both families. Now on 22 News at 5:30, we'll hear about Gail's prior complaints that were said to have been reported by teachers and parents. for now. Working for you live in Springfield. Arata Odia, 22 News.