Montana School Settles Claim By Family Of Suicide Victim

The Billings school district has settled a lawsuit filed by the family of a student who committed suicide after her former teacher was charged with raping her.

The wrongful death claim was filed in August 2010 by the family of Cherice Moralez, a Billings Senior High student who killed herself in February 2010, less than 18 months after former teacher Stacey Rambold was charged.

KULR-TV reports the district will pay $15,000 to cover its insurance deductible and the insurance company will pay an undisclosed amount to Moralez’s family. The school board approved the settlement Monday.

In 2010, Rambold pleaded guilty to performing sexual acts on a 14-year-old female student. He received a three-year deferred sentence.

Superintendent Jack Copps says the board was advised to settle the lawsuit.