



Students trusted their teachers and the school to keep them safe.
Instead, some were left vulnerable to exploitation and betrayal.

In 2016, school officials received a tip about Gary “Chris” Twombley’s inappropriate behavior with students but failed to act.

By 2023, survivors came forward describing grooming, emotional manipulation, and sexual abuse
while underage.

Instead of protecting students, the district let Twombley remain in his position, placing him on paid leave before his 2025 resignation.
2016: Warnings about Twombley were raised as early as 2016.
Victims reported sexual abuse and inappropriate contact with students.
Police confirmed evidence of abuse but could not file charges due to delays and statute of limitations.
14 months: The school district allowed Twombley to remain on paid leave before his resignation.
Students should be safe in school—but some were betrayed by the very teachers entrusted to protect them.
When educators abuse their power, the damage can last a lifetime. Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and a voice.
If you or a loved one were sexually abused by a teacher or school official, now is the time to act. Don’t wait—your rights and your future are too important.
Those responsible for abuse often held positions of authority, including teachers, coaches, and school staff. Their status made it easier to exploit victims and
silence reports.
The harm is long-lasting. Survivors may face:
Emotional trauma and anxiety
Depression or post-traumatic stress
Difficulty trusting authority figures or forming relationships
Interrupted education or lost opportunities
Fear or shame from being exploited

While criminal charges against Gary “Chris” Twombley were limited by the statute of limitations, survivors still have the right to seek justice through civil action. Lawsuits can hold schools, districts, and individuals accountable for failing to protect students. Justice should never have an expiration date, and legal avenues exist to ensure survivors’ voices are heard.
Public records, reports, and police investigations are crucial in exposing abuse and holding schools accountable. They reveal patterns of negligence, highlight ignored warnings, and ensure that institutions cannot hide behind silence. Transparency helps survivors find support, validates their experiences, and pushes organizations to take meaningful action to prevent future abuse.
At our law firm, we are committed to supporting survivors of teacher abuse. Our mission is to uncover the truth, pursue justice, and provide survivors with the resources and legal guidance they need. If you or someone you know was abused by a Mercer Island teacher, we are ready to fight for your rights. Together, we can hold those responsible accountable and prevent such injustices from happening again.

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We are Available 24/7

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