Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
A civil lawsuit filed in Chicago’s Richard J. Daley Center today relating to the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls by an Inverness, IL, swim instructor has named the YMCA as a defendant as reported by the Daily Herald and ABC.The accused swim instructor, Kevin Skowron, already faces criminal charges of predatory sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse for his involvement with five girls between the ages of four and nine. The civil lawsuit alleges that the YMCA allowed for the continued employment of Skowron despite the fact that the outfit was aware of the prior sexual misconduct allegations levied against the instructor. Joseph G. Klest, lawyer for the Jane Doe Plaintiff, says that the lawsuit should send a clear message to institutional entities that allegations of employee sexual misconduct must be taken very seriously. The YMCA could be held liable for significant civil damages in continuing to employ Skowron.
The civil lawsuit comes on the heels of a new set of criminal charges against Skowron. According to the Cook County State’s Attorney Office, the former swim instructor was charged with predatory sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse on Thursday January 22nd. Skowron already faces similar charges filed on November 24, 2008, for alleged inappropriate contact with a 7 year-old girl. According to a YMCA spokesperson, Skowron remained employed while the incidents were being investigated. The agency fired Skowron on November 24, 2008, the same day the initial charges were filed. Five young girls in total have now made allegations against Skowron.
Attorney Klest discusses the lawsuit on ABC news: http://showroom.multivisioninc.com/sharePlay.do
The Klest Law Firm represents victims of sexual abuse in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. As a victim’s rights advocate, attorney Joseph G. Klest understands the often sensitive and emotional nature of sexual abuse cases. Contact Joseph G. Klest for a free confidential initial consultation.