Trial Magazine

In the late 1970s, Doe, 11, lived in a foster home. For approximately two years, he was allegedly sexually abused by his foster parent, Richard Reynolds, who was a pastor in the United Methodist Church.

Doe sued Warren County and Warren County Social Services, alleging failure to supervise or protect him, leaving him vulnerable to sexual abuse. Suit also named the United Methodist Church, among other entities, alleging it had been grossly negligent in allowing Reynolds to stay in his leadership role with access to minors despite complaints about his alleged sexual abuse of children.

The parties settled for $875,000. The county paid $750,000, and the United Methodist Church paid the rest.

Citation: Doe v. United Methodist Church, No. EF2020-68480 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Warren Cnty. Apr. 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Vincent Nappo, Seattle; Lesley Niebel, Rochester, N.Y.; and Tatiana Ahkund, New York City.