Cherry Hill School District Faces Over a Dozen Lawsuits Over Decade-Long Teacher Sexual Abuse Scandal

Former Sixth Grade Teacher Accused of Decade of Abuse at Cooper Elementary School

The Cherry Hill Board of Education is under intense legal scrutiny after more than a dozen lawsuits were filed by survivors alleging decades-old sexual abuse by a former sixth-grade teacher at James F. Cooper Elementary School. According to court filings and attorneys involved, Otto Becken, who taught at the school from 1974 to 1984, is accused of sexually abusing multiple students and engaging in repeated acts of misconduct that went unreported by school leaders for years.

The lawsuits claim that Becken’s actions—ranging from inappropriate touching and sexual comments to more explicit assaults—occurred over a ten-year span. Despite several complaints from students, parents, and staff members, school administrators, including then-principal Lloyd Sandt, allegedly failed to report or act on these allegations, enabling the abuse to continue unchecked.

Dozens of Survivors Come Forward Seeking Justice

As of late October, attorneys confirmed that 17 separate lawsuits have been filed against the Cherry Hill School District, accusing district leaders and staff of negligence in failing to protect children from Becken’s predatory behavior.

One attorney representing several victims, Derek Braslow, who is also a former classmate of some survivors, released a statement emphasizing the broader significance of these cases:

“What happened at James F. Cooper Elementary is not just a story of a single abuser assaulting a single victim—it is a systemic failure by the very people entrusted to protect these children. These lawsuits seek justice, accountability, and change.”

The complaints detail a disturbing pattern of ignored red flags, suggesting that numerous staff members—including teachers, counselors, and administrators—either witnessed or were informed of Becken’s misconduct but chose not to intervene or alert state authorities.

Disturbing Allegations Reveal Widespread Neglect

The lawsuits outline deeply troubling instances of abuse that reportedly occurred within the classroom setting. One female student alleged that Becken groped her breasts and buttocks in 1978. Another male student reported to Principal Sandt in 1979 that he was frightened of Becken, but the report was allegedly dismissed without investigation.

Other allegations include:

• Teachers walking in on Becken with students sitting on his lap.

• A guidance counselor witnessing Becken forcing a male student to wear women’s underwear as punishment in 1983.

• Profanity and sexual language being used in front of children during class sessions.

• A teacher allegedly witnessing Becken grabbing a male student by the genitals but failing to report it.

Despite these repeated incidents, no reports were made to New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) until 1984—ten years after the first alleged misconduct. By that time, Becken’s abuse had already affected numerous students.

When the allegations finally surfaced, Becken resigned from the school and was later convicted of sexual assault of minors. He passed away in 2011.

A Failure of Accountability Within Cherry Hill Schools

The scope of the allegations against Becken—and the district’s apparent failure to act—has sparked outrage among survivors and advocates for child safety. The legal complaints assert that the Cherry Hill School District and its leadership violated their duty of care by allowing Becken to remain in contact with children despite multiple credible reports of abuse.

The lawsuits aim not only to secure compensation for survivors but also to highlight systemic negligence and the need for stronger accountability within New Jersey’s educational institutions. Legal experts note that these cases may have been brought forward thanks to New Jersey’s Child Victims Act, which temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims.

Legal Pathways for Survivors of Institutional Abuse

Cases like this underscore the vital role of civil litigation in exposing systemic failures that allow abuse to persist. Holding school districts, churches, or other institutions accountable through the legal system helps bring visibility to patterns of negligence and gives survivors a platform to share their stories safely.

For many survivors, taking legal action is not only about financial restitution but also about public acknowledgment of wrongdoing and preventing future abuse. It also allows survivors to regain a sense of control over their lives after years of silence and institutional betrayal.

Legal Advocacy for Survivors in New Jersey

Survivors of teacher sexual abuse—whether in schools, religious institutions, or other organizations—deserve compassionate, trauma-informed legal support. Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., of Survivors of Abuse NJ, is an experienced advocate representing victims of institutional abuse across the state. His legal team helps survivors navigate the complexities of civil litigation, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

Through his commitment to justice, Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq. continues to help survivors rebuild their lives while holding negligent institutions accountable for their failures.

If you or someone you know experienced abuse by a teacher or school official, confidential legal assistance is available. Taking the first step to speak out can be a powerful act of courage and an important part of the healing process.

Source:

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/lawsuits-against-sixth-grade-teacher-cooper-elementary-school-cherry-hill-new-jersey/4293765/