The First Academy, a Christian school in Orlando, is facing a lawsuit for allegedly failing to take action against former teacher Harriet Sugg, who is accused of sexually assaulting a student in 2016. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, claims that the school ignored multiple reports from students and staff about Sugg’s alleged grooming and inappropriate behavior towards the student. Sugg, 54, was arrested in October on five charges of sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old, three of which mention her role as an authority figure at the school during the time of the alleged assaults in 2016. The allegations were brought to the attention of the police in 2022 by a woman who reported the incidents.
According to the plaintiff’s attorney, Andrea Lewis, the victim was a student at The First Academy in 2014 when she was 15 years old. Lewis stated that the victim initially developed a rapport with Sugg, who appeared to be a kind and caring teacher. However, as their relationship progressed, Sugg’s manipulation and grooming tactics became more pronounced. The lawsuit alleges that Sugg sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, both on the school campus and in other locations, such as Sugg’s vehicle and her home when her husband was away.
The complaint further claims that staff members and students reported inappropriate incidents between Sugg and the victim, including hand-holding, intimate touching, and instances of playing with each other’s hair and rubbing each other’s backs. The victim’s own husband also reported Sugg’s conduct and her unusually close relationship with the victim to the school’s administration. Despite these reports, the lawsuit alleges that The First Academy failed to take appropriate action against Sugg.
In response to the allegations, First Baptist Orlando, the organization overseeing The First Academy, released a statement affirming their commitment to the safety and well-being of their students. They stated that they take the allegations seriously and that their top priority is to provide a nurturing and Christ-centered environment for their students. However, due to the ongoing investigation, they are limited in the information they can share.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Lewis, emphasized the school’s role in the matter and expressed concern over the lack of action taken by The First Academy. She stated that the school should have informed the victim’s parents, separated Sugg from the victim, contacted law enforcement, and ensured that the teacher no longer had access to the child.
Harriet Sugg was released from the Orange County Jail on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 17. Sugg’s attorney declined to comment on the case.
