The Pothier family has brought forth a lawsuit against Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School following the tragic death of their son, 18-year-old Jacob Pothier, in a car crash last year. The teenager was involved in an accident that also included former school staffer Kathleen Martins, as reported by the Boston Globe. The family alleges that the school officials failed to properly address signs of grooming and sexual abuse by Martins.
The lawsuit, filed on April 4 and seeking $10 million in damages, accuses school officials of ignoring the relationship between Martins, a former security guard, and Pothier. The complaint specifies that Pothier was effectively threatened by school authorities when a video showing him and Martins in a sex act was discovered by students. He was summoned to the office, had his phone seized, and was warned of potential criminal charges. Meanwhile, Martins was allowed to quietly resign without further inquiry. According to a filing obtained by the NBC 10, the lawsuit is not just seeking to hold Martins accountable, but several school leaders as well.
In a statement to the Boston Globe, the school's attorney Gregory A. Manousos disputes the allegations, arguing, "The School took immediate action once it became aware of the alleged inappropriate conduct." He further noted that "at the time of the fatal car crash, the individual had not been employed by the School for nearly a year." Additionally, the school, upon learning of the alleged video, had filed a required report to the state Department of Children and Families.
However, the lawsuit paints a grave picture detailing instances where Martins allegedly provided Pothier with gifts, alcohol, and drugs, and even showed up at a football game wearing a shirt with his jersey number. Martins also reportedly rented a hotel room for an out-of-state football tournament which Pothier visited. It is these allegations that have led the family to question not only Martins' actions but also the school's response and to now seek to hold them both accountable.
At the time of the crash on January 5, 2024, authorities found evidence in the car, including alcohol bottles, strengthening the claims of ongoing neglect towards potential warning signs. The civil complaint also states that police had previously discovered Martins and Pothier together in a cemetery near the school. With responses to the lawsuit not yet filed by defendants, the case presents critical questions about the responsibilities of educators and school administrators in the protection of their students. The defendants are expected to respond in court by April 29.
