Perpetrator Alert: Albert Virachismith, a former employee and paraeducator for Seattle Public Schools who allegedly sexually abused minor students in Seattle in the 2010s.
PCVA is alerting Seattle about sexual abuse reportedly perpetrated by Albert Virachismith in the 2010s.
If you or someone you know was sexually abused by Albert Virachismith or has information pertaining to Albert Virachismith, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (206) 536-2850.
This article provides information about the allegations against Albert Virachismith and frequently asked questions about claims of sexual abuse.
What are the allegations against Albert Virachismith?
Albert Virachismith worked for the Seattle Public Schools as a paraeducator, substitute, and instructional assistant.
In 2018, Albert Virachismith was criminally charged with Rape of a Child in the First Degree and Child Molestation in the First Degree. The criminal charges stemmed from Albert Virachismith’s alleged sexual abuse of an elementary student at John Muir Elementary School during the 2016-17 academic year.
Prior to the arrest, there were complaints that Albert Virachismith would arrive at John Muir Elementary School “with an overwhelming odor of alcohol,” was “too rough” with the a student, and “failed to accomplish the essential functions of the job.” Despite these alarming concerns, Albert Virachismith was allowed to continue working within the Seattle Public Schools until he was eventually arrested for sexually abusing a child in 2018.
In 2024, another minor child came forward and alleged that Albert Virachismith sexually abused her at John Muir Elementary School during the 2016-17 academic year.
Where did Albert Virachismith work?
Throughout his career, Albert Virachismith worked at a number of schools in Seattle, including:
- John Muir Elementary School
- Martin Luther King Junior Elementary School
- Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
- Van Asselt Elementary School
- Denny International Middle School
- Orca K-8 School
- Mercer Middle School
- Washington Middle School
- Aki Kurose Middle School
Has PCVA represented individuals who were sexually abused by Albert Virachismith?
Yes. Not only does PCVA have decades of experience representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse, PCVA also represents an individual who was sexually abused by Albert Virachismith. PCVA’s familiarity with the legal issues in lawsuits involving childhood sexual abuse and with the evidence concerning Albert Virachismith provides PCVA with a unique and invaluable advantage in future litigation involving Albert Virachismith.
How can sexual abuse impact its victims?
Even if there is no outward injury to the body, sexual abuse of a child can have serious psychological effects.
The effects of sexual violence can include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
- Disordered sleep
- Sexual dysfunction
These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and enjoy their lives. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.
What is the current statute of limitations for child sex abuse in Washington State?
In certain circumstances, survivors in Washington can file lawsuits decades after the abuse ended. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations for your potential case, please contact us directly.
Can I come forward or sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?
Most likely. The law usually allows attorneys to file lawsuits on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using a pseudonym, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” or a person’s initials. It also may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.
How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?
Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country, and we are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of each person’s case.
Every case is different and results – which depend on the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed. However, we will fight to hold negligent institutions and individuals accountable. Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors. While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.
How much do you charge?
Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.
Our case results
PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from youth-serving organizations that employed individuals who abused their positions of authority to sexually abuse children, including school districts, religious organizations, foster care agencies, boarding homes, and hospitals. See below for more information about our case results involving such entities:
- $25M Jury Verdict in Sexual Abuse Case Against the State of New Jersey
- $15M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Cases Against the State of Washington
- $12.125M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Cases Against the Archdiocese of Seattle
- $9.5M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Cases Against University Place School District
- $9.15M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Cases Against the Archdiocese of Seattle
- $8M Jury Verdict in Sexual Abuse Case Against a Catholic religious order
- $7.5M Jury Verdict in Sexual Abuse Case Against YMCA
- $6.975M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Cases Against the Archdiocese of Seattle
- $6.75M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against the State of New Jersey
- $4.232M Jury Verdict in Sexual Abuse Cases Against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- $3.9M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Tahoma School District
- $3M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Seattle Public Schools