New Complaints of Sexual Abuse Against Former LakeVille Teacher

Authorities have received additional allegations of abuse after a former LakeVille Middle School teacher was charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct.

In June, Genesee County prosecutors charged Matthew Chapin, 48, with three counts of first-degree and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Mr. Chapin is accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old female student in 2016. After local news outlets reported the indictment, additional survivors contacted the prosecutor’s office.

In response, the prosecutor has asked the Michigan State Police to reopen the investigation into Mr. Chapin. Police will interview the individuals about their allegations, which may lead to additional charges against Mr. Chapin.

If you or your child has information related to sexual abuse allegations against Mr. Chapin or LakeVille Middle School, contact sexual abuse attorney Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller. Ms. Weidenfeller can help you preserve your legal rights.

Publicity Can Open the Door for Other Survivors

Sexual abuse at schools is unfortunately common. Pursuing criminal charges or lawsuits against abusers and the institutions that enabled abuse can be challenging for many reasons, especially when much time has passed. Many survivors never report their abuse; others keep their secrets silent for many years before speaking out.

Sexual predators often engage in similar patterns of behavior to groom and exploit numerous students over many years. When a criminal investigation or lawsuit publicizes one survivor’s allegations, other survivors often come forward. Recent examples include a Farmington Hills basketball coach, a Detroit-area music and theatre teacher, and a Michigan youth sports referee.

Mr. Chapin’s trial on the current charges is scheduled to begin in September 2026. However, if the police discover evidence supporting additional charges, the trial schedule may change.

Protecting Students by Enforcing School Accountability

School authorities, including teachers, counselors, and staff, must provide a safe environment for all students. Their duties include:

• Conducting thorough background checks of all personnel.
• Ensuring proper supervision of students, especially during one-on-one interactions with teachers or staff.
• Enacting clear policies for handling allegations or suspicions of abuse and conducting appropriate training.
• Providing staff members with adequate training to recognize, report, and prevent abuse.
• Ensuring survivors feel safe to come forward and confident that their allegations will be taken seriously and handled with the utmost care.

When school authorities fail to fulfill these legal responsibilities, they become complicit in the abuse and may be legally liable.

School authorities also have a legal and moral obligation to act immediately and appropriately when abuse allegations are reported. Ignoring reports, failing to investigate thoroughly, or mishandling complaints can exacerbate the survivor’s trauma and allow the abuser to continue harming others. By covering up these scandals, the institutions participate in further abusing the survivors and creating a dangerous environment for others.

Pursuing Justice for Survivors

Michigan has no statute of limitations for first-degree sexual assault charges, which means suspects can be criminally charged for the most serious offenses no matter how much time has passed. However, prosecutors must bring second and third-degree sexual assault charges in cases involving a minor within 15 years or by the victim’s 28th birthday, whichever is later.

Survivors may be able to pursue private, or “civil,” lawsuits against their abuser and other parties, such as school authorities. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have certain time limits in which they must file their civil claims in the State of Michigan.  Depending on when the assaults occurred and the age of the survivor at the time of the assault, different time limits apply.    Experienced Michigan sexual assault and abuse attorneys can offer legal advice, representation, and additional resources to help survivors navigate the legal system and seek justice.  Contact Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller for a free, no-obligation consultation.  Ms. Weidenfeller can help you understand your options and pursue the justice you deserve.