A lawsuit filed on August 20, 2026 in Alameda County Superior Court by a client of Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP alleges that Newark Unified School District failed to protect a student at Newark Memorial High School from sexual abuse by teaching aide Dayana Koeppen, who is also named as a defendant. According to the filed lawsuit, the district had notice of warning signs, including the aide taking the student off campus during school hours in her personal vehicle, yet failed to supervise or investigate her or report her as California's child abuse reporting law requires. The lawsuit also alleges, on information and belief, that the aide was criminally charged in Alameda County.

Start a confidential review

Call (855) 359-1772

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

Do you have a case?

Start a confidential review

What the complaint alleges

“Before and during her abuse of Plaintiff, the DISTRICT had actual and/or constructive notice of numerous warning signs that its teaching aide, KOEPPEN, was unfit and that KOEPPEN posed an unreasonable risk of childhood sexual assault to the Plaintiff and other minors in her charge.”

(Complaint ¶ 24)

“Despite knowledge that KOEPPEN was a danger to the students within its care … DISTRICT failed and/or refused to: … Prevent KOEPPEN from taking Plaintiff off school campus during regular school hours; … Report KOEPPEN to law enforcement and/or an appropriate investigatory agency, in violation of its mandatory reporting duties under CANRA;”

(Complaint ¶ 27)

“With actual and/or constructive knowledge of KOEPPEN’s grooming, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse of Plaintiff and other minor students, DISTRICT … ratified KOEPPEN’s conduct by, among other things, continuing to employ KOEPPEN in a position of trust with access to minor students; failing to investigate, discipline, or terminate KOEPPEN; failing to report KOEPPEN to law enforcement or child protective services …”

(Complaint ¶ 30)

These are allegations in a pending lawsuit. They have not been proven, and no court has made any findings.

Abused at Newark Memorial High School?

If you were a student at Newark Memorial High School or another Newark USD school and something happened to you, you are not alone, and it was not your fault. You can sue a California school district any time before your 40th birthday, without filing a government claim first, and you can file as Jane or John Doe.

Start a confidential review

(855) 359-1772

More California school sexual abuse lawsuits →
What SB 577 means for survivors →

Attorney Advertising. Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP, through its California office at 2020 Main St., Ste. 360, Irvine, CA 92614, is the law firm responsible for the content of this advertisement. Prior results not guaranteed. Free initial consultation. Not all cases will be accepted for representation. Fees and expenses charged only against money recovered from responsible parties. You owe nothing as a fee or expense unless we first make a recovery for you. Attorneys licensed in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania. Consult our website for additional terms and conditions. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. No attorney represents you until you and the firm sign a written agreement.

Lanier

Meyer Mcbride blair LLP

sexual abuse law firm

Truth Heals. Yours Deserves to be Heard.

Irvine, California 92614

(832) 924-5831 (Main Line)

(855) 359-1772 (Toll-Free)

Practice Areas

News & Updates

Results

Referrals

Our Team

Where we serve you

FAQ

All product names, logos, brands and likenesses are the property of their respective owners and may not be owned or affiliated with Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP. This website is a Legal Advertisement sponsored by members of Lanier Meyer McBride Blair LLP. Attorneys with the firm are licensed to practice law in Texas, California, New York, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Information provided on this site is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not be taken as legal advice specific to any particular circumstances. The firm’s office is in Houston, Texas. The attorney responsible for the content of this website is Avram J. Blair. Attorney Alex E. Cunny, Irvine, California, is responsible for advertising in California. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.