Reid Setterlund Arrested On Suspicion of Sexual Abuse of Minors
Personal Injury - May 26, 2023
Music Teacher, Reid Setterlund, Arrested on Charges of Sexual Abuse of Two Female Minors In Mascoutah
MASCOUTAH, ILLINOIS
(May 26, 2023) – A music teacher identified as Reid Setterlund has been arrested and is accused of sexually abusing two females under the age of 18.
St. Clair County officials are saying that the incident occurred around February 24, 2023. Reid Setterlund is the owner of “Reid’s Music Lessons,” where he teaches private lessons at his home on North August Street in Mascoutah, Illinois.
He has since been charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor while in a position of trust, which is a class 1 felony. He is facing a second felony charge of indecent solicitation with aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Reid Setterlund’s bond was set at $85,000 and he is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Any person that may have additional information should reach out to the Mascoutah Police Department.
Liability For Sexual Abuse By Teachers
Sexual abuse at the hands of teachers is unfortunately quite common. According to the Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse & Assault, “School sexual abuse of K–12 students by school employees is a serious, ongoing issue that is severely underreported. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that one in ten children experience some form of sexual misconduct by school employees.” Sexual abuse and harassment can take many different forms.
- Unwanted solicitation for sex
- Unwanted touching or kissing
- Lewd comments of a sexual nature
Depending on the facts of any case, a school district could be liable if a teacher they employ sexually abuses a student. Generally speaking, school districts must properly supervise the children in their care and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their protection. Failing to supervise children who are then sexually abused could form the basis of a negligence claim. A business owner who sexually abuses someone could also be held accountable through an action alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse.
- A police report should be made.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
Sexual abuse can be particularly traumatic for children. It can impact every stage of their development. Abuse victims are also much more likely to suffer long-tern psychological ailments such as anxiety and depression. Any person that is sexually abused as a child may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. It is extremely important that all evidence related to any instance of sexual abuse is properly preserved.
Investigating Mascoutah Sexual Abuse Claims
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the girls who may have been harmed by the actions of Reid Setterlund. While every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the allegations set forth by prosecutors are disturbing to say the least. It is our sincere hope that there is a thorough investigation into what happened.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a teacher in Mascoutah? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of experienced sexual abuse attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
