Perpetrators
Nicolas Morton, a former baseball coach of Packer Collegiate Institute, a private school in Brooklyn, NY, is facing criminal charges related to the sexual abuse of multiple students.
Overview of the Allegations
The former Packer Collegiate baseball coach allegedly exploited his position of trust by engaging in sexual abuse of students as young as 12. The charges state that he manipulated his role to gain students’ confidence, later subjecting them to unwanted sexual contact and causing significant harm.
The New York District Attorney’s office reports that these allegations involve multiple victims over the years, all of whom were students at Packer Collegiate Institute.
Charges are:
- Second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child
- 3rd and 1st Degree Sexual Abuse
- 13 counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- 2 counts of forcible touching
- 2nd degree unlawful imprisonment
The Importance of Civil Lawsuits for Abuse Survivors
While the state pursues criminal charges to punish offenders, civil lawsuits empower survivors. Civil litigation allows survivors to seek financial compensation for the emotional, psychological, and financial toll they’ve endured. By filing a civil lawsuit, survivors also help drive systemic change, potentially prompting institutions to review hiring practices, implement more rigorous staff oversight, and enhance student protections.
Institutional Accountability and Survivors’ Rights
Institutions like Packer Collegiate Institute are responsible for protecting students from harm and ensuring that staff members are thoroughly vetted and monitored. Cases like this highlight the importance of stringent safeguarding policies and prompt responses to complaints or warning signs involving staff behavior. Through civil litigation, survivors can hold institutions accountable for negligence and demand stronger policies to prevent future abuse.
Supporting Abuse Survivors
Civil lawsuits serve as a powerful tool for healing and justice. Survivors of abuse at the hands of trusted adults, particularly authority figures in schools, often face significant trauma and may struggle to reclaim their sense of safety and trust. Seeking justice through a civil suit can offer survivors a sense of validation while also serving as a public acknowledgment of the harm they endured.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against The School?
Yes. If you were a victim of Nicolas Morton, you might have rights.
Andreozzi + Foote is a leading sexual abuse law firm in the nation. Contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.
