A Connecticut jury has awarded the largest ever compensatory damages in a Boy Scout sexual abuse case. The Boy Scouts still face a punitive damages award which will be determined by the trial judge.
The trial lasted two weeks and involved allegations against Boy Scout troop leader Siegfired Hepp from New Fairfield. The victim was 11 years old when the sexual abuse began in the 1970’s.
During the trial, testimony was introduced concerning a letter from a parent to a local Boy Scout Council expressing concern that Hepp was a pedophile. In spite of the letter, Hepp remained active in the Boy Scouts until his conviction on unlawful sexual touching in 1999. Hepp is now a registered sex offender.
The jury also heard testimony that the Boy Scouts had known for decades prior to the 1970’s that the sexual abuse of young Scouts was a significant problem.