Two lawsuits filed in 2022 allege that former Oakland Unified School District teacher William “Skip” Allara sexually abused two students at two different schools. The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard represents one of the victims.
The first lawsuit was filed in August of 2022 and alleges that Allara sexually abused a student at Jefferson Elementary School in Oakland. The lawsuit claims that the sexual abuse and sexual assault took place during the 1976-1977 time period when the student was 11-years-old.
According to the lawsuit, Allara abused the student in the classroom, the teacher’s bathroom at school, and in his vehicle.
The second lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court (Case No. 22CV024423) by Attorney Lauren Cerri of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard alleges that Allara sexually abused a 5th grade student at Crocker Highlands Elementary School during the 1971-1972 school year. The lawsuit claims that Allara was a student teacher and should have been supervised during this period of time when he did not have a teaching credential.
The Crocker Highlands 5th grade student claims that Allara drove the student in Allara’s van to Allara’s apartment where Allara sexually abused the student and the student’s friend. The following day, the student and the friend attempted to report Allara to the principal. The principal was not in so they reported to the receptionist. No one at the school followed up nor did they report Allara to law enforcement and/or child protective services.
The lawsuit claims that the Oakland Unified School District knew, had reason to know, or was otherwise on notice that Allara engaged in highly inappropriate grooming behavior with minor students which created a risk he would sexually assault one of them.
Former San Jose Police Department sex crimes investigator Kendra Nunes is investigating Allara for Cerri, Boskovich & Allard. Ms. Nunes states that in her experience, Allara exhibits behavior consistent with a pedophile.
Who is William “Skip” Allara
The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard believes that Allara attended Cal State Hayward and was hired as a student teacher at Crocker Highlands Elementary School.
It is also believed that Allara taught at Jefferson Elementary and Bret Harte Middle School, both in Oakland.
Allara died at the age of 46 in 1989.
Come forward with information
Attorney Cerri and Investigator Nunes urge former students of Allara to contact them with information that may be helpful. You can reach them at 408-289-1417
“My client has struggled for decades with a loss of self-esteem and trust issues,” attorney Lauren Cerri said. “That’s one reason why it has taken nearly 50 years to come forward.”
The plaintiff was examined by a licensed mental health practitioner prior to the filing of the lawsuit. The examination determined that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the plaintiff was sexually abused. Further, the court reviewed the initial lawsuit and determined that enough evidence existed to name both Allara and the Oakland Unified School District in an amended complaint.
Attorney Cerri has achieved justice for many victims of sexual abuse, including those who have waited decades to come forward. Last year, Cerri settled a four-decade old case against the Union School District in San Jose for $7.5 million. The case involved five grown men sexually abused by their teacher as young school children.