For immediate release: Thursday, May 26, 2011

Child sex victim awarded $28 million

Jury finds boy was molested dozens of times

Predator was coaching kids' sports recently

But victim worries now because perp's whereabouts are unknown

This week, after a civil trial, a Cook County jury awarded $28 million to a victim of child sex abuse. The boy, who was 12-16 years old when the abuse occurred in the late 1990s, came forward, his attorney says, out of fear that the molester still has access to kids.

“I’m very proud of this brave young man,” said Schaumberg attorney Joseph Klest, who represented the victim. “His courage has exposed a dangerous predator and will no doubt protect others.”

The victim in the case, Lawrence Snyder, was sexually abused by Michael Kenny, an adult who lived in Snyder's home. According to court documents, Snyder was molested more than 60 times by Kenny, who was babysitting him at the time.

Kenny's current whereabouts are unknown. However, he was recently discovered coaching kids sports which prompted Snyder to come forward, fearing that Kenny is still hurting kids, Klest said.

Although there are no criminal charges pending, the civil jury found that Kenny forced Snyder to engage in sexual activities, including anal and oral sex. As a result, the long-term effects on Snyder were devastating, documents say. The jury found that Kenny should be liable for emotional distress, past and future pain and punitive damages.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (snapnetwork.org), applauded the verdict.

"Communities can now be put on notice that Kenny is a threat to children," said SNAP President Barbara Blaine of Chicago. "No amount of money can bring back a lost childhood, but by using the court system to hold his molester accountable, Lawrence Snyder can help ensure that what happened to him never happens to another child. He should be saluted for his bravery."

The group also encourages anyone who knows of Kenny's whereabouts to call law enforcement.

http://www.chicagotriallaw.com/PracticeAreas/SexualAbuseAssault.asp

Contact:
Attorney Joseph Klest 847 494 7977.
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President 312 399 4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com
Barb Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com