Late breaking Friday afternoon news, everyone!
The jury has returned an astounding verdict in the case of the former Oregon scout who was sexually abused by his scout master, Timur Dykes, multiple times after Dykes confessed to leadership that he was a pedophile.
- Victim Kerry Lewis, right, and his lawyer in court two weeks ago.
Ten days ago, the jury found the Boy Scouts, the local scout council and the Mormon Church (whom Dykes told of his activities) liable for $1.4 million in pain and suffering. The jury’s decision today slapped another $18.5 million on the scouts, finding they were criminally liable for $18.5 million failing to protect children. I wasn’t in the courtroom today, check out The Oregonian for the details.
But the case is important beyond the verdict handed down today. It shines a light on decades of sex abuse among the scouts, and is only the second time that the scouts’ massive “perversion files” have been hauled into the courtroom. The Boy Scouts of America, it turns out, have kept lengthy files of questionable volunteers for decades now, documenting alleged sex abuse along with issues like sexual orientation. In the next phase in this trial, Judge John Wittmayer will hear arguments on whether those files should be made public. Shouldn’t we all get the chance to page through 20,000 pages documenting the Boy Scouts of America’s failure to protect its scouts?
$18.5 million? Time for a bake sale, or however the Boy Scouts of America raise money.
Why are you naming a sex abuse victim?
It is cool to do it with Adam’s exploits… plus the kid was asking for it and totally coming on to his scoutmaster.
Towchick: his name was released to the media, and he’s talked on camera. I’m sure he’s cool with it.
Mirk: 60% of the 18.5 mil goes to the Crime Victim’s Fund. It was in the release.
Towchick,
Like Sgt Grumbles said, Lewis decided mid-way through the trial that he wanted to be named.
And yep, Lewis won’t be getting all of that $18.5 million by a long shot. 60% goes to the state crime victims fund.
What is the state Crime Victim’s Fund used for? Can they repurpose the money to buy from bioswales?