Oct. 11 – A Farmington man who previously worked as a Chama public school teacher is accused in a new federal lawsuit of hitting a boy multiple times over the course of two years when the child was in fourth and fifth grade. his class.
The boy is one of at least six students who have alleged abuse and bizarre behavior by 63-year-old Phillip Gallegos, who is no longer employed by Chama Valley Independent Schools.
The recent lawsuit filed by parents Jose and Barbara Gallegos is the fourth civil complaint against Phillip Gallegos, who also faced criminal charges.
Jose and Barbara Gallegos (it was unclear Friday whether the accusers are related to the defendant) accuse the former teacher of “malicious physical domination” of their son during the 2021-2022 and 2022-23 school years. They allege that Phillip Gallegos struck their son in the head, face and back and acted in anger, “unbound by any legitimate disciplinary or educational purpose.”
As a result, the complaint alleges, the boy suffered “physical injuries, mental distress, fear, severe anxiety and emotional distress.”
According to Jose and Barbara Gallegos’ attorney, Jamison Barkley, the case has already been settled for an undisclosed amount. Barkely declined to provide details of the settlement agreement.
New Mexico State Police initially investigated Phillip Gallegos in March 2023 after allegations of abuse by five students. Gallegos was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Attorney Sheri Raphaelson filed three lawsuits last year on behalf of families alleging abuse by Gallegos. Two of the complaints were filed in August 2023 and a third in October 2023, with each complaint alleging attacks by Gallegos on students as young as 11 years old.
Raphaelson said these civil cases are still pending.
In January, Gallegos was charged in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court with three counts. However, the case was dismissed a month later after his attorney, Grace E. Jennings, filed a motion arguing that the charges were filed outside the statute of limitations, which is a year for minor crimes such as battery.
Jennings, who now works for a California-based law firm, did not respond to requests for comment.
Chama Valley Independent Schools Superintendent Anthony Casados also did not respond to requests for comment.
The school district said in a statement to KRQE-TV earlier this year that Gallegos was no longer employed by the district.
“Chama Valley Independent Schools recognizes that parents and families entrust the safety and well-being of their children to our staff, and we take that responsibility seriously,” the statement said. “Upon learning of the allegations, the district conducted a thorough investigation and took appropriate action.”
