Former Oswego High School students sue district for alleged failure to stop teacher's sexual harassment

Four women say they experienced grooming and misconduct from a former teacher and coach at the school

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Four former students of Oswego High School in New York are suing the Oswego Community Unit School District 308, alleging the district failed to properly investigate and address reports of sexual harassment and misconduct they experienced from a former teacher and coach, Sean Staffeldt. The lawsuit claims Staffeldt engaged in inappropriate behavior such as making sexual comments, touching students inappropriately, and in one case, allegedly watching pornography and masturbating in front of a student who was babysitting for him. The plaintiffs say the district did not adequately protect them or support them after they reported the incidents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct by teachers and the failure of school districts to properly address such allegations. It raises questions about the district's policies and procedures for investigating reports of inappropriate behavior, as well as the support and resources provided to student victims who come forward. The lawsuit also underscores the long-lasting trauma and disruption that can result from such experiences for students.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the alleged misconduct by Staffeldt took place over several years, from around 2012 to 2020, when he was a teacher and coach of football, wrestling, and track at Oswego High School. The plaintiffs, who were minors at the time, say Staffeldt engaged in a pattern of grooming and inappropriate behavior, including making sexual comments, touching students inappropriately, and in one case, allegedly watching pornography and masturbating in front of a student who was babysitting for him. The lawsuit claims the district issued Staffeldt a written warning in 2017 to "maintain professionalism" and prohibit hugging and touching students, but allowed him to continue teaching and coaching with "unfettered access to female students for years" despite these red flags.

  • In 2018, during her sophomore year, one of the plaintiffs, Jillian Lake, first met Staffeldt in a driver's education class.
  • In 2017, the district issued Staffeldt a written warning to "maintain professionalism" and prohibit hugging and touching students.
  • Staffeldt resigned from the district in 2020 after students and staff reported sexual harassment allegations against him.

The players

Jillian Lake

A former Oswego High School student who was allegedly harassed by Staffeldt and is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Sean Staffeldt

A former teacher and coach at Oswego High School who is accused of engaging in sexual harassment and misconduct against multiple students over several years.

Oswego Community Unit School District 308

The school district being sued by the former Oswego High School students for allegedly failing to properly investigate and address reports of sexual harassment by Staffeldt.

Cass Casper

An attorney with Disparti Law Group representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Oswego school district.

Theresa Komitas

A spokesperson for Oswego Community Unit School District 308.

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What they’re saying

“Going to school every day was terrifying, not only for the sheer fact of the teacher being at that school but also the fact of anyone finding out that I had come forward in the first place. It was just absolutely terrifying and torturous.”

— Jillian Lake, Former Oswego High School student (Chicago Tribune)

“The fact that this was allowed to go on this long and was minimized repeatedly by the district, frankly, it's outrageous.”

— Cass Casper, Attorney, Disparti Law Group (Chicago Tribune)

“No, that's wrong.”

— Sean Staffeldt (Chicago Tribune)

“We are refusing to let it be minimized. We are refusing to let it be forgotten. You (the district) protected a reputation. We are protecting students. You avoided accountability. We are demanding it. This is what courage looks like. This is what leadership looks like. If you won't lead, we will.”

— Anne Marie Fish, Plaintiff (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed and if Staffeldt should face any criminal investigation for his alleged actions.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of sexual misconduct by teachers and the failure of school districts to properly address such allegations. It underscores the need for stronger policies, training, and support systems to protect students and hold school officials accountable when they fail to act on reports of inappropriate behavior.