Overview
- Three alumnae filed a 60-page Title IX and civil-rights lawsuit on March 11 in the Eastern District of Wisconsin alleging a long-running pattern of teacher- and coach-driven grooming and sexual abuse at Oconto Falls High School from 2005 to 2025.
- The complaint names at least eight current or former employees and cites more than a dozen alleged student victims, with the plaintiffs identified as Amanda Watzka, Brooke LaCount and Grace Williams.
- Two educators referenced in the filings have faced criminal cases: Brynn Larsen pleaded no contest in 2021 to third-degree sexual assault of a student and was sentenced to two years in prison, while Gayle Gander was arrested in December and charged in January.
- The plaintiffs seek monetary damages and institutional reforms, including stronger policies and training for staff to recognize and prevent grooming and abuse.
- The Oconto Falls School District said prior allegations were investigated and referred to law enforcement and stated it has taken definitive action when made aware of misconduct, as state leaders pursue a DPI audit and new laws defining grooming and requiring school communication policies took effect last week.