Jury: School District Partly To Blame For Rape

The jury reaches its decision in the federal case against Hilldale Public Schools.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports the federal jury in Muskogee decided that the school district was partly to blame for the rape of one of its former students.

The parents of a 14-year-old girl sued the school district claiming it had been negligent in its duties by not acting to prevent the crimes by former band instructor Brian Giacomo.

The jury sided with the victim on eight of 10 issues and awarded her more than $2 million after four hours of deliberations.

Giacomo pleaded guilty in March to 16 counts and was sentenced to six years in prison.  He testified during the federal trial that his sexual relationships with his victims were pretty obvious. 

Related stories:

8/14/2008  Federal Trial Continues Against Hilldale Schools

8/10/2008  Trial Against School District To Begin

03/03/2008  Former Band Director Admits Molestation