Facts

Jane GM Doe was an aspiring elite gymnast who trained at All Star Gymnastics and Gymstars Gymnastics from 2001 to 2003. During that time, while Jane GM Doe was a seventeen-year-old minor, she was repeatedly sexually abused and molested by her coach, Keith Willette, on a near-daily basis, at the All Star and Gymstars training facilities. Jane GM Doe reported Willette to law enforcement in 2017, and Willette ultimately pled guilty to forcible sexual penetration and possession of child pornography.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Jane GM Doe contended that Defendants failed to properly supervise Willette and were negligent in hiring and retaining him. Plaintiff alleged that Defendants knew or should have known that Willette had been fired from several previous gyms due to inappropriate contact with minors. Further, Jane GM Doe contended that Defendants failed to properly train their employees to fulfill their legal duties as mandated reporters.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS: Defendants claimed that Jane GM Doe's complaint was untimely and denied having any notice of Willette's propensity to sexually abuse children. Nonetheless, Defendants agreed to settle Jane GM Doe's claims.

Injuries

Jane GM Doe suffered personal physical injury, severe emotional distress, and economic loss as a result of Willette's sexual abuse.

Result

Defendants All Star and Gymstars agreed to pay $1,275,000 to resolve the entire action.