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Andreozzi + Foote, a leading national law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse, has recently filed a lawsuit against McDonogh School, a prestigious private school in Owings Mills, Maryland. The lawsuit alleges that two former faculty members, Alvin Levy and Robert Creed, sexually abused a student identified as John Doe 1 in the 1970s. The plaintiff is seeking justice under Maryland’s Child Victims Act (CVA), which allows victims to pursue claims for childhood sexual abuse that occurred decades ago.
Allegations of Systemic Abuse at McDonogh School
The complaint, filed on October 11, 2024, details a history of sexual abuse that took place while John Doe 1 was a student at McDonogh between 1974 and 1977. The lawsuit alleges that the school failed to take appropriate action despite being aware of Levy and Creed’s abusive conduct. Both men reportedly engaged in sexual misconduct with multiple male students during their tenure at the school.
In 2019, McDonogh School commissioned an independent investigation by T&M Protection Services, which confirmed that Levy and Creed had sexually abused at least 19 male students between the 1940s and 1980s. Although John Doe 1 was not part of that original investigation, he is now coming forward to hold the school accountable for its negligence.
Institutional Negligence and Accountability
According to the lawsuit, McDonogh School’s administrators knew or should have known about the risk these faculty members posed to students, but they allowed the abuse to continue. Even after learning of the misconduct, the school allegedly failed to notify authorities or take steps to protect students.
Nathaniel Foote, the attorney representing John Doe 1, emphasized the school’s failure to protect vulnerable students. “Despite clear evidence of misconduct by faculty members, McDonogh School allowed these predators to operate unchecked, leading to profound and lasting harm to students, including our client,” said Foote. “We are committed to seeking justice for these victims and holding the school accountable for its inaction.”
The lawsuit brings several claims against McDonogh School, including negligent supervision and retention of faculty and violations of the Child Victims Act.
The Importance of the Child Victims Act (CVA)
Maryland’s Child Victims Act is a critical piece of legislation that extends the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse. This law recognizes that survivors often need many years to come forward and seek justice due to the trauma they’ve endured. Under the CVA, survivors like John Doe 1 have the opportunity to hold institutions and individuals accountable for crimes committed decades ago.
This lawsuit against McDonogh School exemplifies how the CVA can provide a pathway to justice, even after many years have passed since the abuse occurred. Survivors now have the chance to seek legal recourse and confront the institutions that failed to protect them.
The Role of Civil Lawsuits in Achieving Justice
Civil lawsuits, such as the one filed by Andreozzi + Foote, play a vital role in achieving justice for survivors of sexual abuse. In addition to providing financial compensation for emotional and psychological trauma, civil actions hold institutions accountable and push them to change their policies and practices to prevent future abuse.
For survivors like John Doe 1, seeking justice through a civil lawsuit can be essential in the healing process. It allows survivors to have their voices heard and can bring a sense of closure, knowing that the institution responsible for their suffering is being held accountable.
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse and ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve. Our trauma-informed attorneys understand the immense courage it takes for survivors to come forward and are committed to helping them navigate the legal process with compassion and care.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, it’s never too late to seek justice. The Child Victims Act provides a powerful tool for survivors to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable for their actions, no matter how much time has passed. Contact Andreozzi + Foote today to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. 1-866-753-5458
