Martinsville schools are under scrutiny following serious allegations of teacher misconduct.
The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville is facing a Tort Claim Notice filed by a law firm following allegations of sexual abuse by a former teacher, Brittany Fortinberry. Represented by attorney Jason Reese, a 13-year-old victim claims the district’s negligence allowed multiple instances of abuse. The claim seeks $700,000 per assault, urging the district to take accountability and improve safety measures. The situation highlights ongoing concerns over school hiring practices and the need for prompt action regarding reports of abuse, as other victims may still be silent due to fear.
The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville find itself in hot water after a Tort Claim Notice was served by Wagner Reese, a personal injury law firm based in Indiana. The claim comes as the district faces serious allegations surrounding the hiring and retention of Brittany Fortinberry, a former teacher who stands accused of sexually abusing multiple male students.
The legal team, led by attorney Jason Reese, is representing a 13-year-old male student who has come forward as one of the many alleged victims. The Indiana Tort Claim Notice was formally mailed on March 26, 2025, and states that the boy was subjected to sexual molestation as a direct consequence of the district’s negligence. The family of the victim is seeking not only financial compensation but also hopes that their actions will prevent any future instances of abuse from occurring within the school.
The accusations against Fortinberry are extensive and troubling. Reports indicate that she is connected to at least ten male victims, all between the ages of 13 and 16. Alarming accusations include drug provision, sexual activity (including group sex), soliciting explicit photos, and sending sexually explicit materials to minors. The documented charges against Fortinberry include:
These recent charges follow previous allegations consisting of three counts of sexual misconduct, one count of dissemination of harmful materials, and one count of contributing to delinquency—all levied against Fortinberry prior to her hiring.
The claims against the school district suggest a pattern of negligence on their part. According to preliminary investigations, school administrators were allegedly aware of inappropriate behavior exhibited by Fortinberry but chose to hire her nonetheless. Furthermore, it is reported that after the allegations came to light, Martinsville school officials did not act promptly; they failed to report the incidents to the appropriate authorities and did not terminate Fortinberry’s employment in a timely manner.
Fortinberry, who was hired as a substitute teacher on October 24, 2023, obtained a state-issued Emergency License and notably resigned on January 9, 2024. Notably, her resignation was not linked directly to any allegations of misconduct.
Details of initial complaints reveal that her behavior raised red flags; she had been described as being “too mothering” towards students, and there were reports of her taking a student’s phone and recording inappropriate images. Despite these concerns, Fortinberry was subsequently hired at an alternative school within the same district, raising serious questions about the vetting process.
The financial compensation sought in the Tort Claim amounts to $700,000 per sexual assault. This figure is intended to address the trauma, mental anguish, and emotional distress experienced by the victim and his family. The district is mandated to acknowledge the Tort Claim within ten days and is required to resolve the claim within 90 days. Should no resolution be reached, a lawsuit may follow.
Wagner Reese attorneys anticipate that other families of victims may come forward to join in potential lawsuits against the school district. It has been reported that many children have not yet disclosed their experiences due to feelings of fear, humiliation, and threats allegedly made by Fortinberry, who purportedly warned one victim that she would harm herself if he reported the incidents.
In light of these disturbing revelations, Martinsville Schools have publicly stated their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all students. They encourage families and students to report any concerns through their anonymous reporting system. They also highlight that individuals can report abuse or neglect directly to the DCS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, with assurances that the Indiana Department of Child Services will protect the identities of those who bring forward allegations.
The Martinsville School District is now under scrutiny amid calls for a reassessment of hiring practices and protocols for reporting abuse. The lives of the alleged victims hang in the balance as investigations continue, shaping the future of student safety within the educational system.
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