ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A case involving a former St. Louis teacher and coach is drawing renewed attention to the importance of listening when survivors come forward—sometimes years, or even decades, after alleged abuse occurred.

According to reporting published August 17, 2026, Kareem Spann, 49, is facing four felony charges in St. Louis: three counts of second-degree statutory rape and one count of second-degree statutory sodomy.

The allegations involve a former student and conduct investigators say occurred between 2004 and 2007.

The St. Louis allegations emerged after Spann was arrested in California in 2023 in connection with allegations involving students at Louis Armstrong Middle School in Sherman Oaks.

At that time, the Los Angeles Police Department publicly appealed for additional potential victims to come forward, stating that detectives believed there could be additional unidentified victims.

According to the St. Louis probable-cause account reported by local media, a former student subsequently contacted an LAPD detective and reported alleged sexual abuse dating back to her teenage years in St. Louis.

Investigators said the allegations included incidents connected to basketball activities and locations associated with Spann’s former educational employment.

Missouri Department of Education records cited in the reporting indicate that Spann was a licensed teacher at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School from 2002 to 2006 and later worked at Beaumont High School during portions of the 2006–07 and 2008–09 school years.

Under Missouri law, second-degree statutory rape applies when a person 21 or older has sexual intercourse with someone under 17 and is classified as a Class D felony.

When allegations involve adults who held positions of authority—such as teachers, coaches, mentors or other trusted adults—the responsibility to protect children becomes even more important.

This case also demonstrates why opportunities for survivors to speak up and report concerns matter.

The LAPD’s 2023 investigation specifically included a public request for additional potential victims to come forward.

A person may carry an experience for years before feeling safe enough, ready enough, or able enough to disclose what happened.

Time does not make a child’s experience less important.

For families, educators, coaches and communities, the broader lesson remains clear:

Listen.

Believe children when they speak.

Take concerns seriously.

Report suspected abuse.

And never assume that silence means nothing happened.

Every community has a role in protecting children.