Romanucci & Blandin Attorneys secure $15 million verdict against J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 for failing to protect male student from sexual abuse by a female teacher

CHICAGO, IL (March 12, 2025) – On March 11, 2025, a Cook County, Illinois jury returned a verdict in favor of a former male student who was sexually abused in the J. Sterling Morton High School District in Cicero, Illinois. The civil jury found the defendant, the Board of Education of J. Sterling Morton High School District 201, liable for willful and wanton conduct in failing to protect the student from grooming and repeated sexual abuse by a female teacher.   

The jury determined that the school district acted with conscious disregard and utter indifference to the safety of this minor, despite his mother’s repeated complaints to the school. The school’s failure to intervene and protect him from abuse directly contributed to the harms he suffered. 

Recognizing the devastating impact on the young student’s life, the jury returned a verdict of $15 million for the past and future harms caused by the district’s failure to protect him. 

The plaintiff was represented at trial by Partner Daisy Ayllón, who handled this case from its inception and was joined at trial by Senior Attorney Sarah M. Raisch and Senior Attorney Patrick A. Huber. Paralegal Yazmin Morales-Castro also provided valuable contributions to the case and trial. Founding Partner Stephan D. Blandin provided critical guidance during trial and invaluable support throughout the prosecution of the case.

About Romanucci & Blandin, LLC

Romanucci & Blandin is a Chicago-based national trial practice committed to fighting for victims of negligence, abuse and wrongful death through impact litigation. For more than 25 years, we have secured more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients - many for millions of dollars or record-setting awards. Our experience ranges from mass shootings, civil rights and police misconduct to medical malpractice, sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents or workplace injury cases involving individual or institutional negligence. Romanucci & Blandin is a valuable legal resource to individuals and groups of people who have been injured by others’ wrongdoing. Referring attorneys and clients say several factors distinguish our firm: Our record of success, depth of experience, talented and dedicated legal team, tireless preparation, and strategic use of communications to fight for the rights of those whose lives have been changed forever. We differ from other personal injury firms in that our work does not stop when a verdict or settlement is secured. Our clients’ experiences often inspire us to commit resources to transforming lives and communities. For more information about Romanucci & Blandin, please visit: www.rblaw.net.