Trial Magazine

In 1993, 14-year-old Doe lived in a Juveniles in Need of Supervision shelter in Salem, N.J. While there, he allegedly was groomed and sexually abused by the 40-year-old youth aid worker in charge of his care. The alleged abuse lasted for more than a year. Now an adult, Doe has struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. He also has attempted suicide.

Doe sued the county of Salem, N.J., under the Child Victims Act, alleging the defendant negligently allowed the abuse to occur and failed to supervise and protect him. The plaintiff also claimed that the defendant’s employees ignored the warning signs of abuse.

The jury awarded $750,000.

Citation: Doe v. Cnty. of Salem, No. SLM-L-000218-19 (N.J. Super. Ct. Salem Cnty. Mar. 18, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Lesley A. O’Neill, Seattle; and AAJ member Jay S. Mascolo, New Brunswick, N.J.