Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Oct 26, 2021
A music teacher from Apple Valley was arrested Friday after a hidden camera was discovered at the school where he worked, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials.
Kenneth Sockwell, 63, was taken into custody on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Academy for Excellence, the institution where he was employed. Local KTLA reported that school records confirm Sockwell was the school’s director of visual and performing arts. An announcement from school officials indicated that he is no longer employed at the institution’s Lewis Center for Educational Research.
A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department press release confirmed that investigators were alerted by Academy for Academic Excellence (AAE) staff members on Friday and advised of the hidden camera discovery. The Apple Valley Station proceeded to contact the Crimes Against Children (CAC) Detail and they conducted a joint investigation on the AAE campus.
Authorities did not indicate where the hidden camera was found, but when the investigation concluded, authorities identified Sockwell as the suspect.
Sockwell was arrested at the AAE’s Lewis Center and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for California Penal Code 311.11(a), Possession of Child Pornography. He posted bail over the weekend and was released from custody.
Parents with students at Lewis Center and AAE were informed of the arrest Friday evening. An email from school officials was distributed Sunday with an update on the investigation reading:
“We are shocked and appalled to learn of the serious allegations against a long-standing employee. Upon receiving a concerning report of possible misconduct, we took immediate and swift action to remove the employee from the work environment, and the individual is no longer employed at the Lewis Center.”
School officials also reassured parents that while Sockwell was employed at Lewis Center, they had no knowledge of any “improper conduct occurring at AAE or concerning any student,” according to a report from local VVNG.
VVNG also reported that the KenSockwell.com website which was active over the weekend is now offline. Prior to being taken down, Sockwell’s site stated, “MUSIKEN is the name I have gone by, for both business and hobby, since 1980. I am a musician, mostly guitar and keyboard.” Sockwell’s site also stated he lives with his wife and two children.
The Academy for Academic Excellence is a K-12 public charter school located in Apple Valley, California.
Anyone with information regarding the ongoing investigation into Kenneth Sockwell is urged to contact Detective Thomas Hollenbaugh from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at 909-387-3615 (case number 182104788). Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information via www.wetip.com.
In addition to any criminal charges that may be filed following a sex crime, survivors of sexual assault or abuse may file a civil lawsuit in pursuit of financial compensation for various types of damages. Some common damages that may recoverable through a sexual assault or abuse civil lawsuit with Dordulian Law Group (DLG) include:
It’s important to note that sexual abuse and assault civil claims are entirely separate (and have no bearing on) any criminal charges that may be brought against a sexual perpetrator. Unlike criminal charges which are filed by the District Attorney’s Office, civil claims are brought by either the survivor (if an adult) or by the family on behalf of the child (if a minor).
Founded by former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, Sam Dordulian, DLG is one of the nation’s leading sexual assault/abuse firms helping survivors obtain the justice they deserve. Whether your claim involves an instance of sexual assault, abuse, or harassment, we will fight to secure justice quickly and recover maximum financial compensation on your behalf.
Sam Dordulian has developed DLG into an elite, top-rated, and premier sex crimes firm offering survivors of sexual assault and abuse a unique and all-encompassing form of representation and support that features added advantages.
Our Sex Crimes Division includes a team of professionals (each one offering a unique resource or specialty) hand-picked by Dordulian known as the DLG SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts).
DLG’s SAJE Team is available 24/7 to survivors as a four-tiered support network:
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
DLG provides each and every sexual assault or abuse survivor and their family with the utmost respect, discretion, professionalism, and dedication. We know how difficult the process of reporting a sex crime can be, and we’re here to listen, to believe, and to support survivors and their families in their pursuit of justice through civil lawsuits.
Our unparalleled experience and proven results are why parents of sexual assault/abuse victims as well as adult survivors throughout the nation consistently choose DLG to handle their claims, obtain justice, and recover maximum financial compensation on their behalf:
Contact us today for a free and no obligation consultation to discuss your sexual assault or abuse case at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. DLG and Sam Dordulian have successfully helped countless survivors recover maximum financial damages awards and obtain the justice they deserve on their own terms.
DLG accepts every case on a contingency fee agreement, which means you never have to worry about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses when securing the very best legal representation available. Additionally, our No Win/No Fee Guarantee means you don’t pay a penny until we recover maximum financial compensation for your sexual assault or abuse claim.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure the justice you deserve through a sexual assault or abuse civil lawsuit.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
Do you have a case? Let's find out.
