
You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present before answering any questions by the government; and to be informed of your rights before entering into any agreement with the government.
You have the right to the best defense lawyer
With over a decade of criminal law experience, and previously as a Salt Lake County Deputy District Attorney, Assistant Utah Attorney General, and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Utah, call Greg Ferbrache for an appointment.
To ensure your rights, call Greg for a free consultation by appointment only.
801-440-7476
Areas of Practice

Trial
Google Reviews
Testimonials
I’ve worked with Greg Ferbrache on a number of tough cases. Some high profile, some not so much. I appreciated Greg’s consistent careful analysis coupled with compassion for crime victims and an unflinching commitment to doing the right thing. His clients in his new adventure as a solo practitioner will soon learn tht they’re getting quality legal representation by someone who knows the law and knows how the wheels of justice really turn.

Greg Ferbrache is a driven and passionate attorney with a deep understanding of criminal law and application of the statutes of the State of Utah and the U. S. Constitution. Mr. Ferbrache always provided our team with meaningful and valuable opinions and application of the law in the cases we worked together.

Latest News
$10 Million Lawsuit Against The Waterford School for Failure to Protect Female Student With Disabilities Raped by Male Classmate
Febrache Law with Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP, filed a lawsuit for Tabitha Bell against The Waterford School. Tabitha was subjected to bullying, shunning by other students, consistent mistreatment by faculty and ignoring a traumatic rape by a male classmate. The male a student, a member of the lacrosse team has a known history of sexual […]
Sentence Reduction In High Profile Oxycodone Case
After successful plea bargain negotiations Adam Patrick Hemmelgarn, 38 of Hooper was sentenced to 128 months of prison followed by three years’ probation. Prosecutors agreed to drop three other charges. Mr. Hemmelgarn will pay $15,100 in funeral expenses for the man who died after ingesting fentanyl-laced fake Oxycodone sold by Mr. Hemmelgarn. The national media […]
Combat Military Veteran Vindicated of all Criminal Charges
A two time combat veteran was arrested after being forced to leave a Mia Love rally. He fought and won. “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Joshua Cameron, a two time U.S. Army war campaign combat veteran, was vindicated after being charged with criminal trespassing and disorderly […]
Google Reviews
Amazing attorney with great communication . If anyone seeks to find professional help for legal issues I’d recommend to contact Greg . I was pleased by his works and I thank him for his support.
9/14/2020
He handled our difficult case efficiently and professionally. He came highly recommended and did not disappoint. He excelled at communicating the process to our family. He was able to negotiate an excellent outcome even in the midst of the Covid Pandemic. Would give more stars if I could. (5 is not enough)

7/07/2020
I have worked with quite a few attorneys over the course of my life and Greg Ferbrache brings new meaning to the word "skilled". After being falsely accused of abuse from my former wife as a means to impede custody, I contacted Greg per the advice of my Family Law Attorney. Greg not only knew exactly what to do, he immediately engaged on my case that same day within the hour of contacting him. Greg gave me clear concise instructions on the next steps and delivered exactly what he said he would. He communicated extremely well throughout the process and calmly kept me on my toes by helping me hit the "emotional reset button" at times I needed it. Greg took a very pro-active approach on my case ultimately leading to the dismissal/ declination of charges due to the thorough investigation he conducted along with providing narrowly focused evidence proving the allegation to be false.
I cannot thank Greg and his team enough for fighting so hard on my behalf. Greg genuinely cares about his Clients and he really does go above and beyond the call of duty.
if you need legal assistance in the arena Greg practices law, I would highly recommend him. In fact, don't waste your time pursuing alternate consultations, Greg possesses the precise skills and knowledge you need to ensure the best outcome on your case.
Thank you again, Greg!
Anthony

1/14/2021
Help! I’ve Been Arrested During Covid-19
Yes, hiring a criminal attorney has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, we as a nation are experiencing a constitutional crisis and if you do not have an attorney fighting for you and your rights, you are not ensuring your best outcome.
The Constitutional Crisis in criminal matters are that you are unable to assert your innocence by jury trial in a timely manner. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has completely shut down the jury trial system. Once a jury assembly is again allowed, there will be such a back log of cases that if you are not currently in jail, you may have to wait over a year before you get to assert your innocence.
If you are in jail or if your freedoms are being curtailed awaiting trial, you need someone fighting for you now. You need an attorney who can ensure your constitutional rights are asserted and protected during the Covid-19 pandemic, to include fighting for a fair bail and/or equitable options for release.
Equally important are utilizing this state of limbo by taking advantage of the delay caused by the pandemic and illuminating important pieces of evidence possessed by the government or sought through your own investigation, and bringing those pieces of evidence to the prosecutor’s attention.
Otherwise, the undesired effect are that your case is essentially in a state of limbo to languish while you live with the stigma of being charged and the stress of not knowing what will happen to you. The result are that you become desperate to have the matter resolved rather than assert your constitutional right to present your matter in the presence of a jury. Worse yet, perhaps you remain in jail awaiting a trial that is not even scheduled yet, and your only hope of release are by pleading to a plea offer that does not properly reflect your conduct or that is not commensurate with who you are as a person. Perhaps the charges overstate the seriousness of the alleged conduct, ignore an obvious justification like self-defense, or you are the victim of political retribution and/or obvious discrimination and you know a jury trial would make light of the injustice but you will loose your job if you don’t quickly resolve your criminal case, you will be passed over for a promotion, or there is an order of protection that prohibits your ability to be with your family or your loved ones because you have criminal charges against you. Without the hope of a jury trial, you become desperate and accept an unfair or inequitable plea offer.
Most prosecutors have a heavy case load which is now becoming even more overwhelming as the cases pile up. Having an experienced, zealous criminal defense attorney take the time to prepare and to present your case to the prosecutor in a meaningful way outside of court is critical. Your attorney emphasizing your innocence by advocating on your behalf and/or mitigating the conduct for which you have been accused is essential to resolving the matter more effectively and efficiently than awaiting a trial that may take a year or more to occur.
Even during this most unusual time during a global pandemic, your constitutional rights remain the foundation of our great justice system. Don’t submit to the crisis. Rather, take advantage of the crisis by hiring an attorney who has the experience and expertise to advocate on your behalf and who understands how to do so while we each safely navigate this worldwide pandemic. Ferbrache Law has that experience, and offers a free consultation.
Be safe.
Be well,
Gregory Ferbrache
Ferbrache Law
Ferbrachelaw.com
(801)440-7476
$10 Million Lawsuit Against The Waterford School for Failure to Protect Female Student With Disabilities Raped by Male Classmate
Febrache Law with Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP, filed a lawsuit for Tabitha Bell against The Waterford School. Tabitha was subjected to bullying, shunning by other students, consistent mistreatment by faculty and ignoring a traumatic rape by a male classmate. The male a student, a member of the lacrosse team has a known history of sexual harassment and physical violence.
Tabitha has the rare Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) form of Muscular Dystrophy. Her balance is affected, limiting her mobility and general physical functioning. Ms. Bell is an exceptional student, graduating from the $25,000 a year Waterford School to attend University of California Berkeley. The trauma of her five years at Waterford she’s suffered haunts her.
“Although the school promised this young girl and her family its campus would be a haven where she could safely learn while receiving appropriate support and resources, Tabitha’s five-year tenure there was consistently traumatic and damaging, Waterford’s conduct can never be reversed and the detrimental effects it has had on Tabitha will likely impact her adversely for the rest of her life,”
Deborah K. Marcuse with Sanford Heisler Sharp’s Baltimore office.
In December 2015, Tabitha was knocked to the floor by a visibly drunk student at the school’s winter dance at which security staff was promised but not provided. As a result of the school’s lack of adequate supervision, Tabitha suffered a concussion, developed complications resulting in eight days of hospitalization. After the dance Tabitha was bullied mercilessly by peers, causing damaging social isolation. In one egregious instance, two boys simulated Tabitha’s rape on stage in front of the entire school. Rather than adequately punish the boys, the school singled them out for an end-of-year award and inducted them into the Cum Laude Honor Society, the school’s highest honor. Although her family made efforts to communicate their concerns to Waterford, the school took no action to address or stop other students’ harmful ostracizing behaviors targeting Tabitha.
According to the complaint, these examples are not isolated incidents: throughout her time as a student, Waterford was unwilling to take the precautions necessary to ensure her safety and ensure that she had full access to school events and activities. In one of the most appalling examples of the school’s indifference to her disability, Tabitha had to rely on other students to carry her up and down the stage stairs at the school’s choir performances. The choir director regularly refused to allow her to use the handicap accessible entrance or use her support dog on stage because it “ruined the look” of the choir.
In November 2017, Tabitha was subjected to even more egregious and physically and emotionally damaging behavior when a male lacrosse player at Waterford, one of her few friends raped her at her home. When she told her parents about the sexual assault, they called the police and Tabitha cooperated in a police investigation. She and her parents subsequently learned the rapist had a history of aggressive, sexually inappropriate behavior – including previously threatening another female student at Waterford with sexual violence. The school was aware of the student’s violent past, but did nothing to warn Tabitha or her parents.
When her parents informed Waterford about Tabitha’s rape, Waterford did nothing to safeguard Tabitha from her rapist, requiring her parents to secure a protective order to prevent the rapist from contacting her on campus. In the wake of Tabitha’s report of the rape, students and faculty at the school escalated their bullying and school administrators directed other students not to speak to her and allowed her rapist, who had already graduated, access to the school campus despite the protective order.
“Because Waterford does not accept federal funds, which would subject it to the requirements of Title IX and the Americans With Disabilities Act, it seems to believe it can shirk its responsibilities to its students. However, under Utah state law, common law and the school’s own policies, Waterford must be held accountable for protecting its students. The school completely ignored these responsibilities.”
Christine Dunn, senior litigation counsel Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP
The complaint alleges Waterford is liable for negligence and breach of its duty of care; premises liability; negligent supervision of its faculty and students; invasion of Tabitha’s privacy by making a public disclosure of the facts of Tabitha’s rape to her entire senior class and much of the faculty; negligent infliction of emotional distress; fraud; violation of the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act and negligent misrepresentation of the school’s ability to safeguard Tabitha’s physical, emotional, and social health and wellbeing.
“The Bells incurred some $125,000 in tuition costs alone so their daughter could receive a high-quality secondary education. Instead, Tabitha was subjected to years of constant emotional and physical stress and unimaginable trauma.”
Greg Ferbrache
The suit seeks $10 Million in compensatory, as well as punitive damages, along with legal costs and other relief the court may deem just and proper. A jury trial is requested.
Google Reviews
I have worked with quite a few attorneys over the course of my life and Greg Ferbrache brings new meaning to the word "skilled". After being falsely accused of abuse from my former wife as a means to impede custody, I contacted Greg per the advice of my Family Law Attorney. Greg not only knew exactly what to do, he immediately engaged on my case that same day within the hour of contacting him. Greg gave me clear concise instructions on the next steps and delivered exactly what he said he would. He communicated extremely well throughout the process and calmly kept me on my toes by helping me hit the "emotional reset button" at times I needed it. Greg took a very pro-active approach on my case ultimately leading to the dismissal/ declination of charges due to the thorough investigation he conducted along with providing narrowly focused evidence proving the allegation to be false.
I cannot thank Greg and his team enough for fighting so hard on my behalf. Greg genuinely cares about his Clients and he really does go above and beyond the call of duty.
if you need legal assistance in the arena Greg practices law, I would highly recommend him. In fact, don't waste your time pursuing alternate consultations, Greg possesses the precise skills and knowledge you need to ensure the best outcome on your case.
Thank you again, Greg!
Anthony

1/14/2021
I would highly recommend Greg Ferbrache if you ever find yourself in need of an attorney. Greg was extremely professional, understanding, and responsive. He was so patient with all of my questions and put my mind at ease during the entire process. I truly felt like he cared about my case and thanks to him, my case was dismissed. I wouldn’t hesitate to call him again if need be!

3/01/2020
I contacted a few criminal defense attorneys during my situation; and upon consultation Greg is the only one who offered an immediate strategy; whereas other attorneys offered speculation and a general outline of the legal process.
He has good communication skills and listens to you on a personal level rather than a detached subject.
He got me the best outcome possible in the shortest period of time, and I wouldn't hesitate to use his services again if necessary.

1/10/2021
Help! I’ve Been Arrested During Covid-19
Yes, hiring a criminal attorney has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, we as a nation are experiencing a constitutional crisis and if you do not have an attorney fighting for you and your rights, you are not ensuring your best outcome.
The Constitutional Crisis in criminal matters are that you are unable to assert your innocence by jury trial in a timely manner. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has completely shut down the jury trial system. Once a jury assembly is again allowed, there will be such a back log of cases that if you are not currently in jail, you may have to wait over a year before you get to assert your innocence.
If you are in jail or if your freedoms are being curtailed awaiting trial, you need someone fighting for you now. You need an attorney who can ensure your constitutional rights are asserted and protected during the Covid-19 pandemic, to include fighting for a fair bail and/or equitable options for release.
Equally important are utilizing this state of limbo by taking advantage of the delay caused by the pandemic and illuminating important pieces of evidence possessed by the government or sought through your own investigation, and bringing those pieces of evidence to the prosecutor’s attention.
Otherwise, the undesired effect are that your case is essentially in a state of limbo to languish while you live with the stigma of being charged and the stress of not knowing what will happen to you. The result are that you become desperate to have the matter resolved rather than assert your constitutional right to present your matter in the presence of a jury. Worse yet, perhaps you remain in jail awaiting a trial that is not even scheduled yet, and your only hope of release are by pleading to a plea offer that does not properly reflect your conduct or that is not commensurate with who you are as a person. Perhaps the charges overstate the seriousness of the alleged conduct, ignore an obvious justification like self-defense, or you are the victim of political retribution and/or obvious discrimination and you know a jury trial would make light of the injustice but you will loose your job if you don’t quickly resolve your criminal case, you will be passed over for a promotion, or there is an order of protection that prohibits your ability to be with your family or your loved ones because you have criminal charges against you. Without the hope of a jury trial, you become desperate and accept an unfair or inequitable plea offer.
Most prosecutors have a heavy case load which is now becoming even more overwhelming as the cases pile up. Having an experienced, zealous criminal defense attorney take the time to prepare and to present your case to the prosecutor in a meaningful way outside of court is critical. Your attorney emphasizing your innocence by advocating on your behalf and/or mitigating the conduct for which you have been accused is essential to resolving the matter more effectively and efficiently than awaiting a trial that may take a year or more to occur.
Even during this most unusual time during a global pandemic, your constitutional rights remain the foundation of our great justice system. Don’t submit to the crisis. Rather, take advantage of the crisis by hiring an attorney who has the experience and expertise to advocate on your behalf and who understands how to do so while we each safely navigate this worldwide pandemic. Ferbrache Law has that experience, and offers a free consultation.
Be safe.
Be well,
Gregory Ferbrache
Ferbrache Law
Ferbrachelaw.com
(801)440-7476
$10 Million Lawsuit Against The Waterford School for Failure to Protect Female Student With Disabilities Raped by Male Classmate
Febrache Law with Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP, filed a lawsuit for Tabitha Bell against The Waterford School. Tabitha was subjected to bullying, shunning by other students, consistent mistreatment by faculty and ignoring a traumatic rape by a male classmate. The male a student, a member of the lacrosse team has a known history of sexual harassment and physical violence.
Tabitha has the rare Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) form of Muscular Dystrophy. Her balance is affected, limiting her mobility and general physical functioning. Ms. Bell is an exceptional student, graduating from the $25,000 a year Waterford School to attend University of California Berkeley. The trauma of her five years at Waterford she’s suffered haunts her.
“Although the school promised this young girl and her family its campus would be a haven where she could safely learn while receiving appropriate support and resources, Tabitha’s five-year tenure there was consistently traumatic and damaging, Waterford’s conduct can never be reversed and the detrimental effects it has had on Tabitha will likely impact her adversely for the rest of her life,”
Deborah K. Marcuse with Sanford Heisler Sharp’s Baltimore office.
In December 2015, Tabitha was knocked to the floor by a visibly drunk student at the school’s winter dance at which security staff was promised but not provided. As a result of the school’s lack of adequate supervision, Tabitha suffered a concussion, developed complications resulting in eight days of hospitalization. After the dance Tabitha was bullied mercilessly by peers, causing damaging social isolation. In one egregious instance, two boys simulated Tabitha’s rape on stage in front of the entire school. Rather than adequately punish the boys, the school singled them out for an end-of-year award and inducted them into the Cum Laude Honor Society, the school’s highest honor. Although her family made efforts to communicate their concerns to Waterford, the school took no action to address or stop other students’ harmful ostracizing behaviors targeting Tabitha.
According to the complaint, these examples are not isolated incidents: throughout her time as a student, Waterford was unwilling to take the precautions necessary to ensure her safety and ensure that she had full access to school events and activities. In one of the most appalling examples of the school’s indifference to her disability, Tabitha had to rely on other students to carry her up and down the stage stairs at the school’s choir performances. The choir director regularly refused to allow her to use the handicap accessible entrance or use her support dog on stage because it “ruined the look” of the choir.
In November 2017, Tabitha was subjected to even more egregious and physically and emotionally damaging behavior when a male lacrosse player at Waterford, one of her few friends raped her at her home. When she told her parents about the sexual assault, they called the police and Tabitha cooperated in a police investigation. She and her parents subsequently learned the rapist had a history of aggressive, sexually inappropriate behavior – including previously threatening another female student at Waterford with sexual violence. The school was aware of the student’s violent past, but did nothing to warn Tabitha or her parents.
When her parents informed Waterford about Tabitha’s rape, Waterford did nothing to safeguard Tabitha from her rapist, requiring her parents to secure a protective order to prevent the rapist from contacting her on campus. In the wake of Tabitha’s report of the rape, students and faculty at the school escalated their bullying and school administrators directed other students not to speak to her and allowed her rapist, who had already graduated, access to the school campus despite the protective order.
“Because Waterford does not accept federal funds, which would subject it to the requirements of Title IX and the Americans With Disabilities Act, it seems to believe it can shirk its responsibilities to its students. However, under Utah state law, common law and the school’s own policies, Waterford must be held accountable for protecting its students. The school completely ignored these responsibilities.”
Christine Dunn, senior litigation counsel Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP
The complaint alleges Waterford is liable for negligence and breach of its duty of care; premises liability; negligent supervision of its faculty and students; invasion of Tabitha’s privacy by making a public disclosure of the facts of Tabitha’s rape to her entire senior class and much of the faculty; negligent infliction of emotional distress; fraud; violation of the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act and negligent misrepresentation of the school’s ability to safeguard Tabitha’s physical, emotional, and social health and wellbeing.
“The Bells incurred some $125,000 in tuition costs alone so their daughter could receive a high-quality secondary education. Instead, Tabitha was subjected to years of constant emotional and physical stress and unimaginable trauma.”
Greg Ferbrache
The suit seeks $10 Million in compensatory, as well as punitive damages, along with legal costs and other relief the court may deem just and proper. A jury trial is requested.
Google Reviews
I have worked with quite a few attorneys over the course of my life and Greg Ferbrache brings new meaning to the word "skilled". After being falsely accused of abuse from my former wife as a means to impede custody, I contacted Greg per the advice of my Family Law Attorney. Greg not only knew exactly what to do, he immediately engaged on my case that same day within the hour of contacting him. Greg gave me clear concise instructions on the next steps and delivered exactly what he said he would. He communicated extremely well throughout the process and calmly kept me on my toes by helping me hit the "emotional reset button" at times I needed it. Greg took a very pro-active approach on my case ultimately leading to the dismissal/ declination of charges due to the thorough investigation he conducted along with providing narrowly focused evidence proving the allegation to be false.
I cannot thank Greg and his team enough for fighting so hard on my behalf. Greg genuinely cares about his Clients and he really does go above and beyond the call of duty.
if you need legal assistance in the arena Greg practices law, I would highly recommend him. In fact, don't waste your time pursuing alternate consultations, Greg possesses the precise skills and knowledge you need to ensure the best outcome on your case.
Thank you again, Greg!
Anthony

1/14/2021
With gratitude, I appreciate the work background and legal experience that makes Greg a successful attorney. He championed my rights and led a successful legal defense resulting in a dismissed case. I am grateful that I can now move forward in my life.
I am so very appreciative to have found Ferbrache Law for my legal needs!! Thank you so so Much!!
9/13/2020
He handled our difficult case efficiently and professionally. He came highly recommended and did not disappoint. He excelled at communicating the process to our family. He was able to negotiate an excellent outcome even in the midst of the Covid Pandemic. Would give more stars if I could. (5 is not enough)

7/07/2020
Help! I’ve Been Arrested During Covid-19
Yes, hiring a criminal attorney has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, we as a nation are experiencing a constitutional crisis and if you do not have an attorney fighting for you and your rights, you are not ensuring your best outcome.
The Constitutional Crisis in criminal matters are that you are unable to assert your innocence by jury trial in a timely manner. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has completely shut down the jury trial system. Once a jury assembly is again allowed, there will be such a back log of cases that if you are not currently in jail, you may have to wait over a year before you get to assert your innocence.
If you are in jail or if your freedoms are being curtailed awaiting trial, you need someone fighting for you now. You need an attorney who can ensure your constitutional rights are asserted and protected during the Covid-19 pandemic, to include fighting for a fair bail and/or equitable options for release.
Equally important are utilizing this state of limbo by taking advantage of the delay caused by the pandemic and illuminating important pieces of evidence possessed by the government or sought through your own investigation, and bringing those pieces of evidence to the prosecutor’s attention.
Otherwise, the undesired effect are that your case is essentially in a state of limbo to languish while you live with the stigma of being charged and the stress of not knowing what will happen to you. The result are that you become desperate to have the matter resolved rather than assert your constitutional right to present your matter in the presence of a jury. Worse yet, perhaps you remain in jail awaiting a trial that is not even scheduled yet, and your only hope of release are by pleading to a plea offer that does not properly reflect your conduct or that is not commensurate with who you are as a person. Perhaps the charges overstate the seriousness of the alleged conduct, ignore an obvious justification like self-defense, or you are the victim of political retribution and/or obvious discrimination and you know a jury trial would make light of the injustice but you will loose your job if you don’t quickly resolve your criminal case, you will be passed over for a promotion, or there is an order of protection that prohibits your ability to be with your family or your loved ones because you have criminal charges against you. Without the hope of a jury trial, you become desperate and accept an unfair or inequitable plea offer.
Most prosecutors have a heavy case load which is now becoming even more overwhelming as the cases pile up. Having an experienced, zealous criminal defense attorney take the time to prepare and to present your case to the prosecutor in a meaningful way outside of court is critical. Your attorney emphasizing your innocence by advocating on your behalf and/or mitigating the conduct for which you have been accused is essential to resolving the matter more effectively and efficiently than awaiting a trial that may take a year or more to occur.
Even during this most unusual time during a global pandemic, your constitutional rights remain the foundation of our great justice system. Don’t submit to the crisis. Rather, take advantage of the crisis by hiring an attorney who has the experience and expertise to advocate on your behalf and who understands how to do so while we each safely navigate this worldwide pandemic. Ferbrache Law has that experience, and offers a free consultation.
Be safe.
Be well,
Gregory Ferbrache
Ferbrache Law
Ferbrachelaw.com
(801)440-7476
$10 Million Lawsuit Against The Waterford School for Failure to Protect Female Student With Disabilities Raped by Male Classmate
Febrache Law with Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP, filed a lawsuit for Tabitha Bell against The Waterford School. Tabitha was subjected to bullying, shunning by other students, consistent mistreatment by faculty and ignoring a traumatic rape by a male classmate. The male a student, a member of the lacrosse team has a known history of sexual harassment and physical violence.
Tabitha has the rare Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) form of Muscular Dystrophy. Her balance is affected, limiting her mobility and general physical functioning. Ms. Bell is an exceptional student, graduating from the $25,000 a year Waterford School to attend University of California Berkeley. The trauma of her five years at Waterford she’s suffered haunts her.
“Although the school promised this young girl and her family its campus would be a haven where she could safely learn while receiving appropriate support and resources, Tabitha’s five-year tenure there was consistently traumatic and damaging, Waterford’s conduct can never be reversed and the detrimental effects it has had on Tabitha will likely impact her adversely for the rest of her life,”
Deborah K. Marcuse with Sanford Heisler Sharp’s Baltimore office.
In December 2015, Tabitha was knocked to the floor by a visibly drunk student at the school’s winter dance at which security staff was promised but not provided. As a result of the school’s lack of adequate supervision, Tabitha suffered a concussion, developed complications resulting in eight days of hospitalization. After the dance Tabitha was bullied mercilessly by peers, causing damaging social isolation. In one egregious instance, two boys simulated Tabitha’s rape on stage in front of the entire school. Rather than adequately punish the boys, the school singled them out for an end-of-year award and inducted them into the Cum Laude Honor Society, the school’s highest honor. Although her family made efforts to communicate their concerns to Waterford, the school took no action to address or stop other students’ harmful ostracizing behaviors targeting Tabitha.
According to the complaint, these examples are not isolated incidents: throughout her time as a student, Waterford was unwilling to take the precautions necessary to ensure her safety and ensure that she had full access to school events and activities. In one of the most appalling examples of the school’s indifference to her disability, Tabitha had to rely on other students to carry her up and down the stage stairs at the school’s choir performances. The choir director regularly refused to allow her to use the handicap accessible entrance or use her support dog on stage because it “ruined the look” of the choir.
In November 2017, Tabitha was subjected to even more egregious and physically and emotionally damaging behavior when a male lacrosse player at Waterford, one of her few friends raped her at her home. When she told her parents about the sexual assault, they called the police and Tabitha cooperated in a police investigation. She and her parents subsequently learned the rapist had a history of aggressive, sexually inappropriate behavior – including previously threatening another female student at Waterford with sexual violence. The school was aware of the student’s violent past, but did nothing to warn Tabitha or her parents.
When her parents informed Waterford about Tabitha’s rape, Waterford did nothing to safeguard Tabitha from her rapist, requiring her parents to secure a protective order to prevent the rapist from contacting her on campus. In the wake of Tabitha’s report of the rape, students and faculty at the school escalated their bullying and school administrators directed other students not to speak to her and allowed her rapist, who had already graduated, access to the school campus despite the protective order.
“Because Waterford does not accept federal funds, which would subject it to the requirements of Title IX and the Americans With Disabilities Act, it seems to believe it can shirk its responsibilities to its students. However, under Utah state law, common law and the school’s own policies, Waterford must be held accountable for protecting its students. The school completely ignored these responsibilities.”
Christine Dunn, senior litigation counsel Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP
The complaint alleges Waterford is liable for negligence and breach of its duty of care; premises liability; negligent supervision of its faculty and students; invasion of Tabitha’s privacy by making a public disclosure of the facts of Tabitha’s rape to her entire senior class and much of the faculty; negligent infliction of emotional distress; fraud; violation of the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act and negligent misrepresentation of the school’s ability to safeguard Tabitha’s physical, emotional, and social health and wellbeing.
“The Bells incurred some $125,000 in tuition costs alone so their daughter could receive a high-quality secondary education. Instead, Tabitha was subjected to years of constant emotional and physical stress and unimaginable trauma.”
Greg Ferbrache
The suit seeks $10 Million in compensatory, as well as punitive damages, along with legal costs and other relief the court may deem just and proper. A jury trial is requested.
Recent Posts
Latest News
- Google Reviews December 11, 2020
- Help! I’ve Been Arrested During Covid-19 October 8, 2020
- $10 Million Lawsuit Against The Waterford School for Failure to Protect Female Student With Disabilities Raped by Male Classmate August 7, 2020
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