“Textbook Predator”: Former School Employee Accused of Grooming Teen Girls
Child Sexual Abuse
Background of the Case
Attorney Brendan Gilbert of Taylor & Ring represented an affected child who was awarded $8 million in a sexual abuse case against the Visalia Unified School District. The case centers on De Jaun Jones, a 40‑year‑old former campus supervisor at Mount Whitney High School, accused of sexually abusing children.
Allegations Against De Jaun Jones
- In 2023, Jones allegedly exchanged nude photos with a 15‑year‑old girl and touched her inappropriately.
- Gilbert revealed Jones had been fired in 2013 from Mount Whitney High for similar allegations, but was rehired in 2022 despite his past misconduct.
- Jones is accused of grooming high school girls, normalizing inappropriate touching, and engaging in predatory conversations.
- Additional accusations link him to misconduct at Monache High School in Porterville Unified and at an In‑Shape gym.
Legal Proceedings
- The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office filed 11 felony counts against Jones for misconduct during the 2022–2023 school year.
- At least three young women have come forward with credible allegations.
- Jones’ preliminary hearing has been scheduled, and if convicted, he faces prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
Institutional Responsibility
- Gilbert criticized the Visalia Unified School District for rehiring Jones in 2022 despite his prior dismissal for serious misconduct.
- The district has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
- This raises questions about screening, accountability, and safeguarding policies within schools and youth organizations.
Call to Action
- School districts and youth organizations must strengthen background checks and enforce zero‑tolerance policies for staff accused of misconduct.
- Parents and communities should demand transparency and accountability from educational institutions.
- Lawmakers and regulators should review policies to ensure predators cannot re‑enter positions of trust with children.
- Children who experienced abuse must be supported with legal, psychological, and social resources to aid recovery.
Conclusion
This case highlights the devastating consequences of institutional negligence in protecting children. Despite prior allegations, Jones was rehired, enabling further abuse. The courage of affected children and the pursuit of justice by prosecutors and attorneys like Brendan Gilbert shed light on systemic failures that must be addressed.
Protecting children requires vigilance, accountability, and unwavering commitment to their safety. Schools and organizations must prioritize child protection over convenience or oversight, ensuring that predators are never given a second chance to harm.
