Melissa Barton, center, sits between attorneys Leo Plasencia, left, and Paul Sopp during a press conference.

Advocate Melissa Barton has teamed up with a St Lucie County mother, who is accusing a St Lucie County teacher of abuse. The case of Jonathan Jean is familiar to Ms. Barton, who’s child Alex Barton, was “voted out” of a St Lucie County kindergarten class in 2008.  The Bartons since settled their own federal lawsuit with the district netting around $422,000.00, with an unknown amount of    legal fees for the district. That case, and the international scope of interest it still receives, encouraged Barton to become engaged in more advocacy efforts. In this case, St Lucie County teacher, Cliff Kemp is accused of  “extreme bullying” and abuse of a mentally disabled 11 year old child. The state lawsuit for more than $15,000.00 reads (in part):  Although St Lucie County teacher Mr. Kemp knew of Jonathan Jean, an 11 year old child with ADHD and potential other disorders, Mr. Kemp repeatedly called Jonathan Jean a “loser”. Mr. Kemp stated that he wished Jonathan Jean never entered the school. Mr. Kemp told Jonathan Jean in front of the class that he wished that Jonathan Jean had never been born. Mr. Kemp told Jonathan Jean that he smelled like poop. Kemp called Jonathan Jean stupid in front of his classmates. Mr. Kemp called Jonathan Jean “Dumpster Boy” in front of his classmates. Mr. Kemp called Jonathan Jean a cry baby in front of his classmates and made crybaby gestures in front of the class.  Mr. Kemp stated that Jonathan ate “sock jams” for breakfast in front of the class. Mr. Kemp made fun of Jonathan in front of his classmates daily despite knowing that Jonathan had a mental disorder, ADHD; As a result of his lack of training by the St. Lucie School District, on October 6, 2011, Mr. Kemp lost his temper and pushed a desk into Jonathan Jean and dared him to move injuring him physically and mentally. Jonathan Jean, an eleven year old child, was scared for his life. Jonathan Jean had nightmares and has suffered a tremendous decline in his condition since the time that Mr. Kemp was allowed to act in such a manner. Due to Mr. Kemp’s actions, Jonathan Jean’s mental condition has suffered, his grades have suffered and he is unable to obtain the free public education he is entitled to receive because of his medical condition.  Jean has incurred medical expenses and will continue to incur and he will continue to suffer the loss of enjoyment of school.  The filing attorney is Dena Foman Esq: (561) 659-4020. For further information, please contact us.

More info: JJ Case PSL Florida   CBS12 News