Salem, MA – Daniel Hakim Charged with Sexual Abuse of Female Student
Salem, MA (January 4, 2022) – A former teacher at the Saltonstall School located in Salem, Massachusetts has been formally charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a fourth-grade student in 2016, according to local news sources.
Investigations surrounding the case show that 35-year-old Daniel Hakim was previously employed as a physical education teacher at the district. Beginning in 2016, Hakim reportedly assaulted a young female student. Although details surrounding the incident are limited, records show that a total of six reports surrounding inappropriate contact were filed early in 2018, which ultimately led to the termination of Hakim’s employment with the district.
It was not until 2020 that Hakim lost his license to teach.
In January 2021, the young child came forward to authorities with information surrounding what took place. The Salem police detectives and the Essex District Attorney’s office took over the investigation, which led to charges being filed.
In December 2021, Hakim was charged with seven counts of indecent assault and battery on a child. He has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2022.
Child Victims of Sexual Assault in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts law, it is a criminal act to commit an indecent assault and battery on a child who is under the age of 14-years. The Commonwealth is required to prove various elements beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a criminal conviction. This includes proving that:
- The touching to the child’s body was indecent
- The victim was under the age of 14 when the defendant committed the alleged acts against them
- The defendant intentionally touched the body of the alleged child victim without any excuse or legal justification
Those who are convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 can face up to ten years in prison. In some cases, the defendant may be required to register as a sex offender. Although criminal penalties can be exercised, it does very little to help child victims cope with the trauma they were forced to endure. School sexual abuse cases happen far too often and go without any ramifications. For this reason, it is imperative that students who are victims come forward and protect their legal rights.
For this reason, it is important that victims reach out to a sexual assault lawyer in Salem right away.
Salem Child Sexual Abuse Lawyers Fight For You
The Law Office of Carmen L. Durso has extensive experience helping victims who have been sexually assaulted by teachers and other educators get the justice they deserve. Regardless of whether a person is criminally charged for their actions, our law firm helps victims hold them to account in civil court.
By filing a personal injury claim against perpetrators, victims are able to recover compensation that they can use for any medical treatment, mental health care, and various other economic and non-economic damages they face.
Contact our Massachusetts sexual abuse law firm right away by calling 617-728-9123 to get the justice you deserve. Our lawyers are committed to creating a comfortable and safe atmosphere for you to tell your story so we can fight for you.
Notes: This post was created through the use of secondary sources. The details surrounding this incident have not been independently verified. If any information is incorrect, contact the Law Office of Carmen L. Durso as soon as possible so that we can correct the post to include the most accurate information available.
Disclaimers: We have provided compassionate legal representation to children, adult survivors of child sex abuse, and people who have been assaulted by an adult for more than 50 years in Massachusetts. None of the information in this post is intended to be medical or legal advice. This is post is not a solicitation for business.