Former Camden Dean Charged with Sexual Misconduct
Recent revelations about John Heflin, a former administrator at Camden Military Academy, have raised serious concerns about the culture of silence at the school. Our firm seeks to shed light on these matters, and encourage student survivors to come forward, whether they have been directly impacted by Heflin’s actions or suffered abuse in similar circumstances.
Sexual Abuse Allegations
In September 2023, John Heflin, a former dean of students at Camden Military Academy, was charged with criminal solicitation of a minor. According to the arrest warrant, Heflin requested a sexually explicit photo from a cadet and had been engaged in inappropriate sexual conversations with the boy since 2022. The cadet bravely reported the misconduct, leading to Heflin’s arrest and an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This case, however, is not an isolated incident.
Heflin’s arrest has resurfaced details of a previous civil lawsuit from 2017, where the parents of another cadet accused him of similar inappropriate behavior. This cadet’s family alleged that Heflin had sent sexually explicit messages to their son, texted him “hundreds of times,” and even discussed sexual favors. Despite these serious allegations, Heflin remained employed in a key administrative role at the academy until recently.
The fact that Heflin was able to continue working at the academy, even after the 2017 lawsuit was settled, is deeply concerning. It points to potential institutional failures that may have allowed this behavior to continue unchecked, putting more cadets at risk.
Victims have the Right to Seek Justice, Accountability
At CohenMalad, LLP, we believe that institutions like South Carolina’s Camden Military Academy must be held accountable when they fail to protect students from sexual abuse. Whether the abuse occurred recently or years ago, the impact on survivors can be long-lasting, affecting their emotional well-being, self-esteem and future relationships.
Our legal team is dedicated to helping victims seek justice, both through civil lawsuits against the perpetrators and the institutions that failed to protect them. While criminal charges may lead to imprisonment for offenders, civil lawsuits can provide financial compensation to help cover the costs of therapy, counseling, and other forms of emotional and psychological support that victims may need. Survivors of abuse deserve compensation for the emotional trauma they’ve endured, and holding responsible parties accountable can prevent similar abuse from happening to others.
Additionally, these lawsuits shine a light on the institutional negligence that allows abuse to continue.
School Sexual Abuse Attorneys
At CohenMalad, LLP, we want to make it clear that survivors are not alone, and we are here to help. Our experienced legal team includes attorneys and staff who are specifically trained in handling cases of sexual abuse. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and take great care to ensure that survivors feel supported throughout the legal process. We also work closely with mental health professionals and organizations that can provide emotional support and therapy for survivors.
If you are a survivor of school sexual abuse at Camden Academy or another educational institution, CohenMalad, LLP can provide the guidance and representation you need. We understand that taking the step to speak out can be difficult, but our attorneys are committed to standing by your side and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
