Walnut Creek, CA – A troubling case has surfaced in the East Bay, where Gerard Flaherty, a 43-year-old employee of the Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, was arrested on May 1, 2025, for the alleged sexual assault of an underage student.

Details of the Arrest in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Police took Flaherty, a Pleasant Hill resident, into custody, and he is currently being held without bail. The Contra Costa School of Performing Arts has placed him on leave, though the school has not disclosed his specific role. Authorities have not clarified whether the alleged assault involves a current student or a former one who recently came forward. This case underscores the vulnerability of students in school environments and the importance of holding trusted authority figures accountable.

Authorities Seek Information from the East Bay Community

The Walnut Creek Police Department is actively investigating and believes there may be additional victims or witnesses. They are encouraging anyone with information to contact them at 925-943-5844, or to submit anonymous tips through their tip line at 925-943-5865.

Legal Options for Survivors of School-Based Sexual Assault

Sexual assault by a school employee can have profound and lasting effects on survivors, including emotional trauma and challenges in academic environments. As personal injury attorneys in Walnut Creek, we’ve seen how these cases often involve not just the perpetrator, but also schools or districts that may have failed to protect students through inadequate oversight or ignored warning signs.

Survivors and their families may be eligible to pursue civil lawsuits to seek compensation for therapy, medical costs, and the pain and suffering endured. California’s evolving laws also provide opportunities for survivors to seek justice, even in older cases, thanks to recent reforms to statutes of limitations.

The news highlighted on this page speaks to the importance of uncovering the truth and holding responsible parties accountable in cases of child sexual abuse. Saul Wolf at Easton & Easton brings years of focused experience in this complex area of law, having secured significant outcomes in high-profile cases, with settlements in the sum of six, seven, and eight figures against Church Entities (including the Roman Catholic Church), Private Schools and Public School Districts (including LAUSD), Youth Servicing Organizations (including Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs) Youth Sports Organizations and National Governing Bodies (including USA Water Polo, and USA Cheer). His ongoing work is driven by a commitment to seeking justice for those whose lives have been impacted by these devastating betrayals of trust.

Source: ABC 7 News