Former Boy Scout Gets $1.4 Million in Sexual Abuse Trial

Today in Oregon a former Boy Scout was awarded $1.4 million in non-economic damages after he won a lawsuit against the group that alleges sexual abuse in the 1980s. The Oregonian reports that nine out of the 12 jurors found Boy Scouts of America and its local body, the Portland-based Cascade Pacific Council, negligent in the lawsuit brought by plaintiff Kerry Lewis, age 38. The case against the Scouts alleges that Assistant Scoutmaster Timur Dykes sexually abused Lewis during 1983 and 1984, and the group did not protect the boy from it. As a result of his experience, Lewis claims he suffered lifelong problems, including drug abuse. According to the Oregonian, Timur Dykes admitted to a bishop and a Scouting coordinator that he'd molested 17 Boy Scouts.

25% of the non-economic damages, or $325,000, would be the responsibility of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which had coordinated Lewis' Scout program in Southeast Portland, states. However, the Oregonian is reporting that the church will not have to pay its share of the $1.4 million verdict because it settled with Lewis last year for an undisclosed amount. Hmmmm.... sounds like a guilty conscience.

Lewis, who originally filed suit under a pseudonym, has agreed to be named by The Oregonian, which usually does not identify victims of sexual crimes. He could receive up to $25 million in punitive damages come the second phase of the trial.

Timur Dykes

Sources:
The Oregonian. Jury awards former Boy Scout $1.4 million in sexual abuse trial. April 13th, 2010.
[Photo courtesy of the Oregonian]