As a Plano Injury Attorney representing victims of sex abuse, I have been closely monitoring the Boy Scouts of America Sex Abuse scandal out of Oregon. Recently, a jury found the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) were liable for the sexual abuse of a Kerry Lewis (now 38), and awarded him $18.5 million in punitive damages, for the sexual abuse he endured when he was 12 years old. Six men were also suing.
CNN reported that it was discovered that BSA knew that former assistant Scoutmaster Timur Dykes had been abusing boys, and although the scout leader was removed as a Scoutmaster, he was allowed to stay on as a volunteer and the abuse continued. Mr. Dykes (now 53) was released from prison in 2005 and paroled until 2013.
Dykes also told troop leaders he abused 17 scouts, according to plaintiff's attorney, Kelly Clark.
During the six-week trial, Clark produced documents that he said were part of an archive of previously secret Boy Scout files that chronicled decades of abuse of boys.
However, BSA essentially denied its liability, despite the obvious cover-up. A spokesman said, in response to verdict, "We are gravely disappointed with the verdict," it said. "We believe that the allegations made against our youth protection efforts are not valid."
While holding the Boy Scouts of America 60 percent negligent, the jury said the Cascade Pacific Council -- which oversees Scouting activities in the region -- was 15 percent negligent and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 25 percent negligent.
Hopefully this verdict will serve to teach organizations who focus on children to wake-up and see that these organizations can be a cesspool for child predators, who are looking for targets. Children trust grown-ups and the violation incurred by Kerry Lewis, and many more like him is unforgivable. The Barbieri Law Firm is committed to helping those wronged by sexual abuse, and other serious injuries.
