A former bus driver for the Lucia Mar Unified School District has admitted to sexually molesting a disabled 9-year-old girl, who is now 11. The admission was part of a plea agreement.
The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office says 50-year-old Arroyo Grande resident David Kenneth Lamb will likely serve 16 years in prison, facing parole supervision upon release.
Prosecutors will call for non-economic restitution, according to the DA’s Office, meaning Lamb will have to pay for the psychological damage and counseling that will likely be needed for the victim.
With thousands of dollars and 16 years on the line for Lamb, the victim’s civil attorney says 16 years is not enough.
“He got a light sentence. I’ll be blunt. It was too light,” said David Ring, an attorney with Taylor & Ring Law Firm. “This is a predator who should have been put away for 50 years or more. He sexually abused a special needs girl who is nine years old, who rode the bus along with him. He took advantage of that trust.”
Ring says the family is pleased that the young victim does not have to go to trial, which can be incredibly overwhelming.
Andy Stenson, Superintendent with the Lucia Mar Unified School District, released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by this situation. Since we first became aware of the charges against this bus driver, we cooperated closely with law enforcement as the investigation moved forward. Please understand that student privacy, personnel, and on-going litigation prevent us from commenting further.”
Sentencing for the criminal case is set for April 24.
Meanwhile, the civil case against the Lucia Mar Unified School District and David Lamb is just getting started.
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Lawyers release new details, video in suit against school district over alleged child abuse
