Image source: Homes.com – Northern High School, Owings, MD
Andreozzi + Foote has filed a civil lawsuit in the Calvert Circuit Court in Maryland on behalf of a victim who was sexually abused by Donald Hammond, a former teacher at Northern High School within Calvert County Public Schools. The lawsuit names both Donald Hammond and the Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education as defendants.
Abuse by a Trusted Teacher
The victim, a student at the time, first met Hammond while attending Northern High School around 1997. Hammond built a relationship of trust with the victim, masquerading as a mentor and friend, and then exploited that trust for the purposes of sexual abuse.
Hammond retired from the school in 2017. That next year, the school district publicly honored him at a retirement ceremony and included him in a published list of employees recognized for their service (The BayNet).
School District Failed to Act
The lawsuit outlines multiple failures by the school district, including:
- Failing to establish child abuse prevention policies, procedures, and practices
- Poor hiring, training, and supervision
- Ignoring red flags about Hammond’s conduct
- Failing to conduct an appropriate background check on Hammond
- Failing to adequately monitor Hammond
These failures directly contributed to the harm the victim suffered. The suit demands justice not only for the abuse itself, but also for the systemic failures that allowed it to happen—failures including negligent supervision, poor institutional safeguards, and a complete disregard for student safety.
Were You Abused by a Calvert County Educator?
If you or someone you care about was sexually abused by Donald Hammond—or another employee of Calvert County Public Schools—you are not alone.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of school sexual abuse and helps them explore their legal rights.
Our team is committed to helping survivors seek accountability and move forward with confidence. We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard.
Let us help you take the next step with a free, confidential consultation today.
