Family of New Bedford teen killed in crash sues school, administrators, former security officer

The family of an 18-year-old New Bedford student who died in a car crash in January 2024, has taken legal action against his former school and several administrators.

Jacob Pothier was a student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School who died in a single vehicle collision in the area of Gulf Road at Smith Neck Road in Dartmouth. Kathleen Martins of Dartmouth also sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash.

The lawsuit filed by Pothier’s estate stems from allegations that his school failed to protect him from an inappropriate and sexual relationship with Martins, who was a security officer at Voc-Tech until her resignation in March 2023.

Listed as defendants in the lawsuit in addition to the school are:

MICHAEL WATSON, individually and as the Superintendent of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School District and/or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School

NANCY MARKEY, individually and as the Human Resources Director of Greater New
Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School District and/or Greater New Bedford Regional
Vocational Technical High School

WARLEY WILLIAMS, individually and as the Principal of Greater New Bedford Regional
Vocational Technical High School and/or an employee of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School District

YOLANDA DENNIS, individually and as the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Family Engagement of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School District and/or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School

KATHLEEN MARTINS, individually and as an employee/former employee of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School District and/or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

The Pothier family claims the relationship began with Martins when Jacob was 15.

The complaint alleges that “Martins’ actions of grooming, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and/or sexual violence towards Jacob occurred at GNB Voc-Tech and while Martins was working within the scope of her employment with the District and/or GNB Voc-Tech. During the school day, Martins would remove Jacob from class and have him spend time
with her rather than attending class. Martins’ actions, including (alleged) grooming, stalking, and sexual abuse, began inside of school and progressed to also occur outside of school. In exchange for sex, Martins provided Jacob with such things as alcohol, marijuana, clothing,
jewelry, food, and money.”

Family members also believe that the school did know or should have known of the relationship and the District, GNB Voc-Tech, Watson, Markey, Williams, and/or Dennis, and the several other administrators and employees took no actions.

The family has also raised concerns about Jacob’s missing cellphone, which they believe could contain critical evidence, though authorities have stated it was likely destroyed in the crash.

Before the lawsuit was filed, a letter was sent by the family’s attorney, former New Bedford mayor, Scott Lang, to the school in June 2024, asserting wrongful death and seeking damages.

Details surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney’s office and Massachusetts State Police.