NC Supreme Court gives lawsuit against NHC Schools the green light to move forward

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A lawsuit against New Hanover County Schools over a band teacher that sexually assaulted students can now move forward after a state supreme court ruling. 

In a unanimous decision, The NC Supreme Court ruled that the lawsuit against New Hanover County Schools related to Peter Frank, a band teacher that was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for sexually assaulting students, can now move forward. 

The case is allowed to move forward because of a so-called “lookback window” in the SAFE Child Act, which expands the statute of limitations for child sex crimes. 

Ruth Sheehan with Joel Rhine Law Firm, who represents the victims, sent WWAY a statement that reads: 

“We were so pleased, and honestly relieved for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse, that the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the Safe Child Act this week. Rhine Law Firm represents three women who were abused by a former band teacher, who is now in prison for his actions. But without the Safe Child Act, the statute of limitations would have prevented them pursuing civil actions against Peter Frank and the New Hanover County schools. Now that the Act has been found constitutional, their lawsuit can proceed and they can seek justice on the civil side for what they experienced.”