Norton Case Moved To Federal Court

STOUGHTON, MA — A former Stoughton High School student’s case against schools officials and the town is going to U.S. District Court in Boston, according to court documents.

In a response to the civil suit, attorneys for the Town of Stoughton, Stoughton High School Principal Juliette Miller and Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi filed a notice of removal Nov. 28. In the notice, the defense argues that jurisdiction for the civil action falls under the federal court, giving the defense a right to transfer the case.

The Town, Miller, and Rizzi face allegations from the woman identified as Jane Doe that they did not perform their duty as mandated reporters when they had reason to suspect an inappropriate relationship between now-former teacher Timothy Norton and the victim, who was 17 when the relationship allegedly started. Additionally, Miller and Rizzi are accused of either neglecting their responsibility or not being properly trained in their positions as mandated reporters and did not report signs of grooming to police. Stoughton Public Schools policy forbids relationships between teachers and students, even after they have graduated.

READ MORE

• Stoughton, School Officials Sued By Alleged Timothy Norton Victim
• Ex-Stoughton HS Student Speaks Out About Norton Relationship
• Court Remains Silent On Timothy Norton Case

The relationship allegedly started during the 2014-15 school year, with the two being questioned by Miller in the fall of 2015. Nether the victim or Norton were disciplined, but the woman claims that Miller interrogated and shamed her for a half hour as part of the investigation.

Following the end of the relationship in September 2017, the victim confided to another Stoughton High School teacher about it. The teacher then brought the information to Miller, who notified Norton that he was going to be served with an "intention to dismiss" notice and the information would be passed to the Stoughton Police Department. Norton resigned a short time afterward.

Neither Norton nor school officials have publicly commented on the allegations. The Stoughton Board of Selectmen were scheduled discussed the case last Monday behind closed doors in executive session.

Image: File Photo