A lawsuit alleging abuse by a former track coach has been filed in Santa Clara County against the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District and two former track coaches.
The suit, which seeks civil damages and policy change, was filed Tuesday in Santa Clara County Superior Couty and claims former Los Gatos High School Assistant Coach Chioke "Chee" Robinson began abusing a 14-year-old track athlete as a freshman in 1999.
"Los Gatos High School allowed him to sexually abuse me for over three years," said the former athlete, who went by Jane Doe in a Tuesday media briefing. "They had numerous opportunities to stop him and they failed to do so."
Robinson was arrested after her mother called police after finding a pregnancy test and love letters to her daughter in the trash, but Doe refused to disclose the alleged abuse at the time. Doe left the school after her junior year, quitting track and has suffered from anxiety and depression.
She said she felt empowered to come forward as others came forward to claim abuse by Robinson. He was arrested last year on charges he abused four girls, including Jane Doe.
Doe alleges the head coach at the time, Willie Harmatz, knew of the abuse and allowed it to continue.
"We are investigating claims against Los Gatos High School and we are asking anyone with information to come forward and talk to us," said Lauren Cerrie, attorney with Corsiglia, McMahon and Allard.
Lawyers believe there may be other victims.
Calls to the school and district have yet to be returned.
