Santa Barbara Teacher Arrested for Placing Recording Devices Around School

Steven Schapansky, a teacher at Santa Barbara Charter School, has been arrested for allegedly placing secret recording devices around the school, including in areas where the children change their clothes. The devices were discovered following a report to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Schapansky, who has been with the small K-6 school for seven years, is now on leave during the investigation.

Per the Santa Barbara Independent, the school and law enforcement are cooperating closely to support the victims and ensure their safety. This incident has shocked the school community. According to the school the parents are all aware of the situation. The school is also taking additional steps to secure the premises and prevent any future occurrences.

Authorities are examining the recording devices to gather evidence, and Schapansky’s actions are under thorough investigation. The District Attorney’s Office is involved in assessing the legal implications and potential charges against Schapansky.

This case raises significant concerns about privacy and safety in schools. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for strict measures to protect students from such breaches of trust and privacy violations.

How our attorneys can help

At Taylor & Ring, we help victims of sexual harassment and assault of all ages. If you or your child has been affected by the incident at Santa Barbara Charter School, our attorneys can offer extensive legal support to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served. Here’s how we can help:

Filing lawsuits and seeking compensation

Our legal team represents victims in civil lawsuits. We will work diligently to seek compensation for emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and any other damages you or your child may have suffered. We understand the profound impact such a violation can have and will strive to secure the maximum compensation to aid in your recovery.

Criminal case assistance

We can assist law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office in the criminal case against the perpetrator. Our attorneys will help ensure that the legal proceedings are thorough and that officials handle all evidence appropriately. We are committed to supporting the prosecution in holding the offender accountable for their actions.

Counseling and advocacy

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially in such sensitive situations. Our attorneys provide guidance and support throughout the entire legal process. We will advocate for your interests, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Additionally, we can connect you with counseling services to help you cope with the emotional aftermath of this incident.

Ensuring privacy and safety

To prevent future incidents, we will work with the school and other relevant parties to implement stronger privacy and safety measures. This includes advising on legal protocols and security measures to safeguard students’ well-being. Our goal is to create a safer environment and ensure that such breaches of trust never happen again.

Consultation and legal advice

We offer consultations to discuss your case and provide legal advice tailored to your specific situation. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, outline your legal options, and develop a strategy that aligns with your needs and goals.

If you need assistance, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging time, ensure the protection of your rights, and secure compensation for your damages and losses.

Our attorneys have a record of success

At Taylor & Ring, we have a record of successful settlements and verdicts for children who have been affected by sexual abuse. These successes include:

• $102.5 Million Verdict: Taylor & Ring represented a former student who was sexually abused while attending Dartmouth Middle School in San Jose. Read more here.
• $100 Million Judgment: Taylor & Ring represented a young girl who was sexually abused by her jiu-jitsu coach.
• $97.5 Million Settlement: Taylor & Ring represented multiple plaintiffs in the Santa Monica PAL/Eric Uller abuse cases. Read more here.
• $35 Million Verdict: Taylor & Ring represented a woman who was raped by her adult male track coach when she was a minor high school student at Pomona High School in the 1990s. Read more here.
• $25.3 Million Verdict: Taylor & Ring represented a young man who was sexually abused over the course of four years at the Westerly School in Long Beach. Read more here.
• $25 Million Verdict: Taylor & Ring represented a former student of Dos Pueblos High School in the Santa Barbara Unified School District who was sexually abused by an assistant coach. Read more here.
• $15.1 Million Settlement: Taylor & Ring represented four female students who were a part of the Humanities Magnet Program at Grover Cleveland Charter High School between 1996-2009, and were abused by four different teachers. Read more here.
• $14 Million Settlement: Taylor & Ring represented two adult women in a sexual abuse case against Moraga School District. They were victimized by their middle school teacher in the 1990s, when they attended school there. Read more here.

At Taylor & Ring in Los Angeles, we provide aggressive representation for clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Our dedicated attorneys are here to help you and your family cope and hold abusers accountable for their actions. If you or your child has been impacted by the privacy violations at Santa Barbara Charter School, contact our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. We can help you seek compensation, assist in the criminal case, and protect your rights. Our team will provide comprehensive legal support and work to implement stronger safety measures to prevent future incidents.

Reach out to us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you through this difficult time. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.