January 7, 2026 - by Herman Law
The Town of Brookline and its public school district have agreed to pay $3 million to a woman who alleged that her middle school teacher, Larry Chen, sexually abused her when she was 12 and 13 years old. The settlement, which includes $1.5 million upfront and five annual installments of $300,000, represents one of the largest payouts in Brookline’s history and underscores a harsh reality: when schools ignore warning signs, they enable abuse and ultimately pay the price.
Chen taught sixth-grade social studies at the Heath School, now known as the Roland Hayes School, in Chestnut Hill, MA. According to police reports and court documents, Chen began sexually abusing a student in 2016 when she was just 12 years old. The abuse continued for approximately two years until 2018.
In 2022, when the victim reached an age where she could begin processing and speaking about what happened, she came forward to authorities. Chen was charged with 18 counts of aggravated statutory rape, 18 counts of rape of a child under 16, and 18 counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14.
Chen’s trial began in September 2025, but prosecutors dropped the charges after jury selection when the victim expressed her inability to testify. As her attorney explained, “My client was a very young child when this matter occurred, and it’s exceptionally difficult for people who are abused as young children to be able to go through a public proceeding about it.”
Despite the dismissal of criminal charges, the victim maintained that the allegations were true, and prosecutors affirmed they had been “willing and ready” to proceed with the case if she had been able to testify. Chen has denied the allegations.
Court filings revealed troubling details about what school administrators knew, and failed to act on, during Chen’s tenure. According to prosecutors, the school’s principal told authorities there was an “ongoing issue” with Chen having inappropriate boundaries with students. Administrators repeatedly had to remind Chen to keep his classroom door open when meeting with students after school.
In one instance, another teacher asked if she could hear what was going on in Chen’s classroom. Chen responded by barricading his door.
These were not subtle warning signs. They were clear indicators of a teacher who was deliberately isolating himself with students and resisting oversight. Yet Chen remained in the classroom.
After months of discussions, the Town of Brookline, the Public Schools of Brookline, and the survivor reached a settlement agreement in late 2025. The payment, approved separately by the Select Board, School Committee, and Advisory Committee, will be drawn from the town’s Liability Insurance Fund.
The settlement includes no admission of liability, a standard provision in civil cases. But as the victim’s attorney noted, the financial impact serves a purpose beyond compensating the survivor. “It seems like a lot of money and this and that, but the simple fact is that that’s the kind of thing that changes behaviors,” said the attorney. “You can’t change the behaviors of the perpetrators. They’re going to do what they do, but you’ve got to change the behavior of the people whose duty it is to protect the children and then don’t do it.”
During negotiations, the attorney said the district and town were “very respectful” and that “they believed everything that she said about what happened to her, as they should.”
The Brookline case is a reminder that schools have a legal and moral duty to protect students. When administrators see red flags—teachers who isolate themselves with students, who resist oversight, who repeatedly cross boundaries—they must act decisively. Popularity and parental support cannot outweigh child safety.
Civil litigation provides survivors with a path to accountability when criminal cases fall short. It also creates financial consequences that force institutions to examine their policies, their culture, and their willingness to protect children over reputations.
At Herman Law, we exclusively represent survivors of sexual abuse in schools, churches, foster care, and other institutions. We understand the immense courage it takes to come forward, especially years after the abuse occurred.
If you experienced sexual abuse at Brookline schools or another institution, you may have legal options. Many survivors don’t realize they can pursue civil claims even when criminal cases don’t proceed or when years have passed since the abuse.
Contact Herman Law today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
Disclaimer: Herman Law did not represent any individuals in the criminal or civil cases mentioned above.
Sources:
Boston.com. (2026, January 4). Brookline agrees to pay $3 million to woman who accused teacher of sexually abusing her. https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/01/04/brookline-agrees-to-pay-3-million-to-woman-who-accused-teacher-of-sexually-abusing-her/
Brookline.News. (2025, December). Town agrees to $3 million settlement with alleged victim of sexual abuse by former teacher Larry Chen. https://brookline.news/2025/12/17/town-agrees-to-3-million-settlement-with-alleged-victim-of-sexual-abuse-by-former-teacher-larry-chen/
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
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