Trial Magazine

Jeff Pietz, a teacher and athletic director at Seattle Preparatory School, was Doe’s high school math teacher and softball coach. During Doe’s time at the school, Pietz allegedly took a special liking to her, paid more attention to her than to other students, flirted with her, and isolated her for one-on-one time unrelated to sports or school. This behavior allegedly transitioned to sexual advances and intercourse. When Doe tried to distance herself from Pietz, he allegedly used emotional manipulation to ensure continued access to her. Doe suffered mental anguish and severe emotional distress.

She sued Seattle Preparatory School, alleging common law negligence, gross negligence, sexual discrimination regarding employment and school, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and outrage. The plaintiff claimed that although the defendant knew or should have known that the risk of sexual abuse of students was significant and measures were needed to protect student athletes, it continued to allow Pietz to have continuous and unfettered access to her.

The parties settled for approximately $2.42 million.

Citation: Doe v. Seattle Preparatory Sch., Undisclosed Dkt. No. (Wash. Super. Ct. King Cnty. Jan. 26, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Darrell L. Cochran and Bridget T. Grotz, both of Seattle; and Colleen Durkin Peterson, Tacoma, Wash.