Child abuse case dismissed against former VUSD teacher, court says statute of limitations had passed

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Parents of alleged child abuse victims are in shock and disappointed after the case against Lacie Ann Horsting, a former Visalia Unified Special Education teacher, was dismissed on Wednesday afternoon in a Tulare County Courtroom.

"I just feel betrayed by so many people; my trust was completely broken," expresses one parent, Linda Martinez.

"We have to speak for them and not to be able to do that, to have that taken away, it hurts so bad," mentions Stephany Cortez, who is also a parent of an alleged victim.

"We are angry, the amount of abuse these kids endured for the amount of time is ridiculous," say Catherine & Dominique Copeland, whose child was also in Horsting's class during the time of the alleged crimes.

The court says the statute of limitations had expired before the case was filed.

"Charges were filed, we believe, on April 16th, and the statute of limitations had already run by really only just a few days," explains attorney Amanda Simmons.

Simmons and Leigh Ann Hodge are representing several parents of the alleged victims.

The attorneys say this is not the end.

"Misdeamenor child abuse charges were dismissed, but the case can be reopened if in and when there are reports of conducts that support felony indictment or felony conduct," mentions Hodge.

In the meantime, parents plan to move forward in civil court.

And say they will keep seeking justice for their children, while encouraging anyone with information to speak up.

"They don't have a voice but this mama has a voice and we will continue to fight for the children," expresses one parent, Britanny Camacho.

Parents, Catherine & Dominique, continue to share, "Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves, and they know who they are and the fact we are even here is unfathomable."

Action News has made multiple attempts to reach Horsting and has yet to hear back.

Anyone with information should contact the Visalia Police Department at 559-734-8117 and ask to speak with Officer Maria Cabrera or Officer Osvaldo Ramirez.

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