Former Chama teacher faces new lawsuit alleging physical abuse of student
Oct. 11—A Farmington man who previously worked as a public school teacher in Chama is accused in a new federal lawsuit of striking a boy multiple times over two years when the child was in his classroom in fourth and fifth grades.
The boy is one of at least six students who have alleged abuse and bizarre behavior by Phillip Gallegos, 63, who is no longer employed by Chama Valley Independent Schools.
The recent lawsuit filed by parents Jose and Barbara Gallegos is the fourth civil complaint against Phillip Gallegos, who also faced criminal charges.
Jose and Barbara Gallegos (it was unclear Friday if the plaintiffs are related to the defendant) accuse the former teacher of "malicious physical domination" of their son during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. They allege Phillip Gallegos struck their son in the head, face and back and acted in anger, "untethered to any legitimate disciplinary or educational goal."
As a result, the complaint alleges, the boy underwent "physical injury, mental distress, fear, severe anxiety and emotional suffering."
According to the Jose and Barbara Gallegos' attorney, Jamison Barkley, the case already has been settled for an undisclosed amount. Barkely declined to provide details of the settlement agreement.
New Mexico State Police initially investigated Phillip Gallegos in March 2023 following accusations of abuse from five students. Gallegos was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
Attorney Sheri Raphaelson filed three lawsuits last year on behalf of families alleging abuse by Gallegos. Two of the complaints were filed in August 2023, and a third was filed in October 2023, each alleging attacks by Gallegos on students who were 11 years old.
Raphaelson said those civil cases remain pending.
In January, Gallegos was charged with three counts of battery in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court. However, the case was dismissed a month later after his defense attorney, Grace E. Jennings, filed a motion arguing the charges had been filed past the statute of limitations, which is a year for petty misdemeanors like battery.
Jennings, who now works for a California-based law firm, did not respond to requests for comment.
Chama Valley Independent Schools Superintendent Anthony Casados also did not respond to requests for comment.
The school district said in a statement to KRQE-TV earlier this year Gallegos was no longer employed by the district.
"Chama Valley Independent Schools recognizes that parents and families entrust our staff with the safety and well-being of their children, and we take that responsibility seriously," the statement said. "Upon learning of the allegations, the District thoroughly investigated and appropriate action was taken."