An important lesson plan: our schools need to be safe for our children, not a safe haven for child predators. Bemidji School District was named in two lawsuits filed yesterday in Beltrami County on behalf of two more survivors who were sexually abused by former hockey coach and physical education teacher, John Wangberg, at Central Elementary School. We now represent five children who have filed lawsuits claiming the school was negligent in allowing Wangberg continued access to children despite receiving reports of inappropriate behavior with minors as early as 2008.
Wangberg taught in the Bemidji School District since the early 1980s and resigned in March 2011. Following a 2008 report of Wangberg’s inappropriate behavior with minors, additional reports were made in approximately 2009-2010 and 2011. Finally, in December 2012, law enforcement was notified.
John Wangberg was criminally charged with two felony counts of second degree sexual conduct and a gross misdemeanor charge of fifth degree non-consensual sexual conduct in January 2013 and Wangberg took his own life January 30, 2013.
These five families have just started their journey of hope, help and healing and we are proud to walk beside them on the path to justice. If you or someone you know was violated by John Wangberg, a teacher or any other person in a position of authority, please contact us confidentially today at (651)227-9990 or privately email us at info@andersonadvocates.com.