Santa Rosa County School Board Settles Gulf Breeze High School Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The Santa Rosa County School Board reached a settlement in April 2026 in a negligence lawsuit stemming from the sexual assault of a Gulf Breeze High School student. 

The lawsuit was filed in August 2025 and claimed that failures by the Santa Rosa County District Schools led to the assault of a student athlete on campus in March 2024. Rachael Gilmer, a personal injury attorney with Levin Papantonio, represented the victim and her family. 

Lawsuit Alleged School District Failed to Protect Student 

According to the complaint, the school district neglected its duty of care by ignoring warning signs and failing to implement basic safety measures that could have prevented the assault. 

The lawsuit pointed to policies and practices that created unsafe conditions for students, including requiring female athletes to retrieve basketballs from the boys’ locker room despite other accessible storage options. 

Attorneys argued that this arrangement exposed students to foreseeable risk and reflected a failure to maintain appropriate supervision and safety protocols. 

Details of the Incident 

The assault occurred on March 14, 2024, inside the boys’ locker room at Gulf Breeze High School. 

After announcing her presence before entering, the student was confronted by a male student identified in court documents as K.T.R. 

The lawsuit alleged that the student harassed and physically assaulted the victim, including unwanted sexual contact and restraining her against her will. 

Criminal Case Against the Perpetrator 

Law enforcement investigated the incident, and the male student was arrested. 

He was later adjudicated as a delinquent in juvenile court on a battery charge and placed on probation, along with additional court-ordered conditions. 

Assault Occurred Inside School Locker Room 

The incident occurred on March 14, 2024, inside the boys’ locker room at Gulf Breeze High School. 

After announcing her presence, the student was confronted by a male student identified in court filings as K.T.R. 

The lawsuit alleged that the student subjected the victim to unwanted sexual contact and restrained her against her will. 

Settlement Reached Without Admission of Fault 

Attorney Rachel Gilmer of Levin Papantonio confirmed that the case was resolved through a monetary settlement. She noted that the agreement was reached recently and that, due to the involvement of a minor, the specific amount remains confidential, though the client is satisfied with the outcome. The settlement, finalized in April 2026, does not include any admission of liability or wrongdoing by the school board.

“This case was never just about a settlement; it was about accountability. Schools have a duty to protect the children entrusted to them, and when that duty is ignored, the consequences are life-changing. Our hope is that this result forces meaningful changes so no other student has to endure what our client did.” – Rachael Gilmer, Levin Papantonio

Gilmer emphasized that the case was about more than financial recovery. She added that the matter was resolved early in the litigation process, which benefited the client by avoiding the need for a minor to endure a prolonged court proceeding.

Student Moving Forward After Case Resolution 

The victim has since transferred to another high school and is expected to graduate soon. 

“She is doing much better, I will say. She has left Gulf Breeze High School and is attending a different high school, which was a positive for her to be in a different environment.” – Rachael Gilmer 

Her family reports that she is doing better and is focused on her future, including plans to use the settlement funds to further her education.