September 19, 2025 - by Herman Law
When former Milton Academy teacher Reynold “Rey” Buono pleaded guilty in 2022 to raping a student in the early 1980s, three brave survivors spoke at his sentencing. They described the betrayal of a trusted mentor, the disruption of their childhoods, and the lasting ways his abuse has shaped their lives.
For many in the Milton Academy community, the plea brought a measure of acknowledgment, but not closure. The sentence—five years of probation, GPS monitoring for at least three years, and mandatory sex-offender registration—was a stark reminder of how difficult it remains for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to find full justice, particularly when crimes are prosecuted decades later.
Buono’s abuse was not a secret confined to whispers. By 1982, school leaders had already been contacted about concerns regarding his conduct. In 1987, Milton terminated him after he admitted misconduct with a student. Yet Buono left quietly, without public accountability, and went on to work in education overseas. For years, survivors carried their pain in silence while their abuser lived freely abroad.
It was only after renewed attention to abuse at private schools that Milton Academy hired investigators in 2016. That investigation revealed at least 12 former male students who reported being sexually abused by Buono. Their accounts painted a devastating picture of a teacher who exploited his position of power to harm children and of an institution that failed to stop him.
In 2018, Buono was arrested in Thailand and returned to Massachusetts. The road to trial was long and complicated. Massachusetts law requires corroborating evidence for criminal cases filed more than 27 years after the alleged abuse, a rule that narrowed the scope of charges prosecutors could pursue. In 2020, the state’s Supreme Judicial Court reinstated several indictments against him, but determined probable cause existed only for two separate incidents. In 2022, Buono pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a child with force involving a 15-year-old boy he tutored.
The law may have placed limits on what could be prosecuted, but the courage of survivors broke through decades of silence. Their voices forced both the courts and the school to reckon with truths that had been ignored for too long.
Milton Academy has since apologized and taken steps toward institutional reform, but words cannot undo the damage. For survivors, the harm is not confined to the past—it shapes their relationships, their careers, and their sense of safety. What institutions can do, however, is acknowledge their role, take responsibility, and ensure that such failures never happen again.
At Herman Law, we stand with survivors who were betrayed by those they trusted most. We understand the profound courage it takes to step forward after years of silence. Pursuing civil litigation can help not only secure resources for healing but also hold institutions accountable for the systems and choices that allowed the abuse to occur.
If you were harmed by Reynold Buono or sexually abused while at Milton Academy or a similar institution, you do not have to face this alone. Speaking out is never easy, but your story matters. We are here to listen, support, and fight for justice.
Contact Herman Law for a free confidential case review. When you’re ready to talk, our team is here to listen.
Disclaimer: Herman Law did not represent any individuals in the criminal case discussed above. Our firm focuses exclusively on civil litigation for survivors of sexual abuse.
Sources
Associated Press. (2018, March 28). Former Milton Academy teacher arrested in Thailand. AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-048045c10a3b4c579ee6c5a9c281254c
Boston.com. (2020, March 28). Massachusetts high court reinstates charges against former Milton Academy teacher. Boston.com. https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/03/28/massachusetts-high-court-milton-academy-rape-charges-reynold-buono/
Boston Globe. (2022, September 30). Former Milton Academy teacher pleads guilty to raping minor student in early 1980s. The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/30/metro/former-milton-academy-teacher-pleads-guilty-raping-minor-student-early-1980s/
Commonwealth v. Buono, 484 Mass. 351 (2020). https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/484/484mass351.html
Milton Academy. (2017, October 3). Letter to the Milton Academy community. https://www.milton.edu/letter-milton-community-october-3-2017/
Patriot Ledger. (2022, September 30). Ex-Milton Academy teacher pleads guilty to child rape. The Patriot Ledger. https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2022/09/30/ex-milton-academy-teacher-reynold-buono-pleads-guilty-child-rape/10460983002/
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
Speaking up is never easy—but you’re not alone. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, our compassionate team at Herman Law is here to listen, support, and guide you forward. Reach out today in complete confidence.
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