A lawsuit filed under the Child Victims Act last month in the state Supreme Court of Broome County claims a former Seton Catholic High School in Endicott sexually abused a child more than two dozen times back in the early 1970’s.
Former Coach Vincent Dutkowski, who died in 2012, is accused of leveraging his position to gain the victim’s trust and confidence before abusing him.
According to the suit, in 1972, the 14-year-old boy helped out as a ballboy and assistant during basketball practices where Dutkowski allegedly used those encounters to sexually abuse the teen on approximately 25 occasions both at his office and his home.
The former Seton Catholic High School in Endicott and Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton are defendants in the lawsuit. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, which merged with the former Seton Catholic and Catholic Central high schools in 1976, is also named in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, like others filed under the Child Victims Act, argues the institutions should have had reason to know the accused person posed a danger to commit sexual abuse.
“We thank the brave survivors who have told their stories of abuse in every sector of society,” New York State Bishops said in a joint statement concerning the Child Victims Act’s passage in 2019. “Their witness has moved us all. We renew our commitment to combatting the monstrous crime of childhood sexual abuse and helping all survivors find recourse and reconciliation as they heal.”
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, Herman Law may be able to help you achieve justice. Jeff Herman is a trailblazer in the representation of victims of sexual abuse, devoting 100% of his practice to the cause. Renowned for his aggressive and tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients, and his determination to help his clients heal through the litigation process, Jeff understands the unique issues involved in the representation of survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
Jeff Herman and his team only handle sexual abuse cases and have represented over 2,000 victims since 1997. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis. Now is the time to reach out, seek justice and begin to heal.
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