What's the Problem?
James Collins, the alleged abuser in the suit, worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester, in Westchester County, New York, in numerous positions including mentor and supervisor, which provided him access to young children, according to the CT Post.
The 4 plaintiffs, which ranged in age from 10 years old to teenagers when the alleged abuse occurred, claim that Collins engaged in repeated sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, yet the Boys & Girls Club failed to respond to repeated complaints against him and allowed a predator to victimize children for years.
The suit describes Collins' “grooming behaviors,” including giving gifts, treats, candy, and even alcohol. Defendant targeted children from single-parent homes and other vulnerable situations, according to the complaint.
“These warning signs, grooming behaviors, inappropriate time spent alone with Plaintiffs and not respecting boundaries with children were ignored by (the Boys & Girls Club), thus, creating the opportunity for abuse, resulting in failures to enforce proper boundaries and, instead, allowing Collins access to abuse children,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit further alleges that the defendants -- the Boys & Girls Club, several schools, a camp, and the town of Mount Kisco, New York -- were negligent for failing to protect children from sexual abuse by Collins. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with attorney fees.
Despite the charges pending against him, Collins is somehow still employed as a bus driver and janitor at a school in Hawthorn, New York, allowing him continued access to children, according to the Greenwich Time.
The complaint was filed under New York’s Child Victims Act [1]. The law gives survivors of child sexual assault more time to file legal action against their abusers and the institutions that may have failed to protect them and others. Child victims can file civil lawsuits in cases where the statute of limitations (SOL) would have otherwise expired.
Also read: Fullerton Pastor Charged With Abusing 7 Children
Contact us today to speak to experienced sexual abuse attorneys to learn more about your legal rights.
Do I Have a Boys & Girls Club Lawsuit?
The Sexual Abuse Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Boys & Girls Club Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
