Nancy Smahl-Syrop, Jane Bedell, and Sara Smahl, have all come out and accused Robert “Bob” Rusch, their former Brooklyn private school teacher, of sexually abusing them on multiple occasions over four decades ago, when they were each only 12 years old.
Rusch, was a seventh-grade teacher and advisor at the Woodard School in Brooklyn in the 1960s-70s when the alleged abuse occurred.
The court documents say that Rusch “sexually abused and assaulted multiple children in addition to the above-named plaintiffs, a fact known to defendant Woodard … which fired defendant Rusch in 197,”.
Rusch, 77, now a record producer, and jazz journalist has admitted to some of the “allegations” in an interview with the Wall Street Journal in June 2014, where he said he felt “remorse” for his actions.
“Without a doubt, it has been the thing I am most remorseful about, or confused as to where my ethical compass was or what happened to it,” Rusch told the WSJ in the interview. “I spent the last 41 years trying to be a better citizen.”
These three women bought this lawsuit under New York’s Child Victims Act, which opened a one-year look-back window for adult victims of childhood abuse to bring claims that had already passed outside of the statute of limitations.
As a result of the Child Victims Act’s one-year window, victims must swiftly assess and prepare any potential claims they may have against the entities responsible for their abuse.
Herman Law is a law firm for victims of sexual abuse across the nation. The firm is led by its founder Jeff Herman, who is recognized as one of the country’s leading attorneys for child victims of sexual abuse. The firm has obtained over $200 million in verdicts and settlements. Jeff has developed a national reputation for his powerful advocacy and unwavering dedication to his clients. Herman Law is committed to empowering victims of sexual abuse to take back their lives and begin the healing process.
