FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`OF NEW YORK
`STATE
`SUPREME
`COUNTY
`COURT:
`
`OF ORLEANS
`
`AB 511 DOE,
`
`v.
`
`LYNDONVILLE
`
`DISTRICT;
`SCHOOL,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Index
`
`No.
`
`AMENDED
`
`COMPLAINT
`
`0
`
`CENTRAL
`LYNDONVILLE
`
`SCHOOL
`ELEMENTARY
`
`DEMAND
`
`FOR JURY
`
`TRIAL1
`
`Defendants.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`by and
`
`through
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`attorneys,
`
`states
`
`and
`
`alleges
`
`as follows:
`
`PSEUDONYM
`
`1.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`is authorized
`
`to file
`
`the
`
`instant
`
`action
`
`under
`
`a pseudonym
`
`and
`
`defendants
`
`are barred
`
`from
`
`disclosing
`
`Petitioner's
`
`true
`
`identity
`
`to the
`
`general
`
`public
`
`pursuant
`
`to an Amended
`
`Order
`
`of
`
`the Hoñcrable
`
`Deborah
`
`A. Chimes.
`
`J.S.C.
`
`dated
`
`August
`
`13, 2018
`
`which
`
`is attached
`
`hereto.
`
`PARTIES
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material
`
`Plaintiff
`
`resided
`
`in the State
`
`of New York.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`At
`
`to this Complaint,
`
`Whenever
`
`refereñce
`
`is made
`
`to any Defendant
`
`entity,
`
`such
`
`reference
`
`includes
`
`that
`
`entity,
`
`affiliates,
`
`predecessors,
`
`and
`
`successors.
`
`In addition,
`
`whenever
`
`reference
`
`is made
`
`to any
`
`act,
`
`deed,
`
`or
`
`transaction
`
`of any
`
`entity,
`
`the
`
`allegation
`
`means
`
`that
`
`the
`
`entity
`
`engaged
`
`in the
`
`act,
`
`deed,
`
`or
`
`transaction
`
`by
`
`or
`
`through
`
`its
`
`officers,
`
`directors,
`
`agents,
`
`employees,
`
`or
`
`representatives
`
`while
`
`they
`
`were
`
`actively
`
`eñgaged
`
`in the management,
`
`direction,
`
`control,
`
`or
`
`transaction
`
`of
`
`the
`
`entity'ä
`
`business
`
`or affairs.
`
`I Pursuant
`
`to §4 of
`
`the New York Child Victims
`
`Act, Plaintiff
`
`is entitled
`
`to a trial preference.
`
`1 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`4.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Central
`
`School
`
`District
`
`("Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.")
`
`was
`
`and
`
`continues
`
`to
`
`be
`
`a public-school
`
`district
`
`located
`
`in the County
`
`of Orleans
`
`and
`
`State
`
`of New York.
`
`5.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elemeñtary
`
`School
`
`was
`
`and
`
`continues
`
`to
`
`be
`
`a public
`
`school
`
`owned,
`
`controlled,
`
`supervised,
`
`operated
`
`and
`
`managed
`
`by
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`6.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Terry
`
`E.
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`an
`
`employee
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`7.
`
`This
`
`Court
`
`has
`
`jurisdiction
`
`pursuant
`
`to C.P.L.R.
`
`§ 301
`
`as Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`is a quasi-municipal
`
`corporation
`
`created
`
`and
`
`organized
`
`by
`
`state
`
`legislatures
`
`and
`
`charged
`
`administration
`
`of
`
`in
`
`the
`
`with
`
`the
`
`public
`
`schools
`
`State
`
`of New
`
`York,
`
`including
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School,
`
`and
`
`because
`
`the unlawful
`
`conduct
`
`complãined
`
`of herein
`
`occurred
`
`in New York.
`
`8.
`
`Venue
`
`is proper
`
`pursuant
`
`to C.P.L.R.
`
`§504
`
`in that Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`is
`
`situated
`
`in Orleans
`
`County.
`
`9.
`
`This
`
`complaint
`
`is brought
`
`under
`
`the Child
`
`Victims
`
`Act
`
`and,
`
`as such,
`
`the
`
`filing
`
`of a
`
`Notice
`
`of Claim
`
`is not
`
`required.
`
`FACTS
`
`10.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and
`
`remaiñêd
`
`under
`
`the
`
`direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ,
`
`and
`
`control
`
`of Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`11.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`placed
`
`Houseman
`
`in positions
`
`where
`
`he had
`
`access
`
`to and worked
`
`with
`
`children
`
`as an integral
`
`part
`
`of his work.
`
`Specifically,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`2
`
`2 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`C.S.D.
`
`placed
`
`and
`
`retained
`
`Houseman
`
`at Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School
`
`as an elementary
`
`school
`
`teacher.
`
`12.
`
`13.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a student
`
`at Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School.
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`as a minor
`
`and vulnerable
`
`child,
`
`was
`
`dependent
`
`on Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and Houseman.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and Houseman
`
`had
`
`custody
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`were
`
`entrusted
`
`with
`
`the
`
`safety
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`and,
`
`therefore,
`
`had
`
`responsibility
`
`for
`
`and
`
`authority
`
`over
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`11 to 12 years
`
`14.
`
`From
`
`apprnvimatdy
`
`1986
`
`to 1987,
`
`when
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`approximately
`
`old, Houseman
`
`engaged
`
`in unpermitted
`
`sexual
`
`contact
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`15.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`a
`
`danger
`
`to children
`
`before
`
`Houseman
`
`sexually
`
`assaulted
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`16.
`
`Prior
`
`to
`
`the
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`learned
`
`or
`
`have
`
`learned
`
`that
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`not
`
`fit
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`should
`
`C.S.D.,
`
`by
`
`and
`
`through
`
`their
`
`agents,
`
`servants
`
`and/or
`
`employees,
`
`became
`
`aware,
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`become
`
`aware
`
`of Houseman's
`
`propensity
`
`to
`
`commit
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`to Plaintiff's
`
`safety.
`
`At
`
`the
`
`very
`
`least,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`they
`
`did
`
`not
`
`have
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`about
`
`whether
`
`or not
`
`its employees,
`
`more
`
`specifically,
`
`Houseman,
`
`were
`
`fit
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children.
`
`of
`
`17.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S_D.
`
`knew
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`there
`
`was
`
`a risk
`
`the
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`children
`
`attending
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School.
`
`At
`
`the
`
`very
`
`least,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`that
`
`they
`
`did
`
`not
`
`have
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`about
`
`whether
`
`or
`
`not
`
`there
`
`was
`
`a risk
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse
`
`for
`
`children
`
`attending
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School.
`
`3
`
`3 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`18.
`
`Instead,
`
`Defendants
`
`negligently
`
`deemed
`
`that
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`fit
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children
`
`and/or
`
`that
`
`any
`
`previous
`
`misconduct
`
`was
`
`fixed
`
`or cured
`
`and/or
`
`that Houseman
`
`would
`
`not
`
`sexually
`
`assault
`
`children
`
`and/or
`
`that Houseman
`
`would
`
`not
`
`injure
`
`children.
`
`19.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`because
`
`they
`
`had
`
`superior
`
`knowledge
`
`about
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`that Houseman
`
`posed
`
`to Plaintiff,
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`of abuse
`
`in
`
`risks
`
`that
`
`its
`
`posed
`
`to minor
`
`children.
`
`general
`
`in its
`
`schools
`
`and/or
`
`the
`
`facilities
`
`20.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`a duty
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`harm
`
`because
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`actions
`
`created
`
`a foreseeable
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`harm
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`As
`
`a vulñêrable
`
`child
`
`attending
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a
`
`foreseeable
`
`victim.
`
`As
`
`a vulnerable
`
`child
`
`who
`
`Houseman
`
`had
`
`access
`
`to through
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`with
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`a foreseeable
`
`victim.
`
`C.S.D.
`
`also
`
`breached
`
`its
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff
`
`21.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`duty
`
`by
`
`actively
`
`maintaining
`
`and
`
`employing
`
`Houseman
`
`in
`
`a position
`
`of
`
`power
`
`and
`
`authority
`
`through
`
`which
`
`Houseman
`
`had
`
`access
`
`to
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`and
`
`power
`
`and
`
`control
`
`over
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`22.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`breached
`
`its
`
`duties
`
`to
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`failed
`
`to use ordinary
`
`care
`
`in determining
`
`whether
`
`its facilities
`
`were
`
`safe
`
`and/or
`
`determining
`
`whether
`
`it
`
`had
`
`sufficient
`
`information
`
`to
`
`represent
`
`its
`
`facilities
`
`as
`
`safe.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`breach
`
`of
`
`its duties
`
`include,
`
`but
`
`are not
`
`limited
`
`to:
`
`failure
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`a known
`
`danger,
`
`or
`
`reasonably
`
`foreseeable
`
`failure
`
`to have
`
`sufficient
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to properly
`
`implement
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to take
`
`reasonable
`
`measures
`
`to make
`
`sure
`
`that
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`to prevent
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse
`
`were
`
`working,
`
`failure
`
`to adequately
`
`inform
`
`families
`
`and
`
`children
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`4
`
`4 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to investigate
`
`risks
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to have
`
`any
`
`outside
`
`agency
`
`test
`
`its
`
`safety
`
`procedures,
`
`failure
`
`to
`
`protect
`
`the
`
`children
`
`attending
`
`its
`
`programs
`
`from
`
`child
`
`sex
`
`abuse,
`
`failure
`
`to adhere
`
`to the
`
`applicable
`
`standard
`
`of care
`
`for
`
`child
`
`safety,
`
`failure
`
`to investigate
`
`the
`
`amount
`
`and type
`
`of
`
`information
`
`necessary
`
`to represêñt
`
`the
`
`school
`
`and
`
`its employees
`
`as safe,
`
`failure
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`fellow
`
`and
`
`to train
`
`its
`
`employees
`
`properly
`
`to identify
`
`signs
`
`by
`
`employees,
`
`failure
`
`to engage
`
`or
`
`timely
`
`êñgage
`
`certified
`
`mental
`
`health
`
`professionals.
`
`23.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`also
`
`breached
`
`its duty
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to warn
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`of
`
`the
`
`risk
`
`that
`
`Houseman
`
`posed.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`further
`
`failed
`
`to wam
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`family
`
`of
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`knowledge
`
`of
`
`the
`
`occurrence
`
`of
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse.
`
`other
`
`agents
`
`violated
`
`their
`
`legal
`
`24.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and/or
`
`its
`
`duty
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to report
`
`known
`
`and/or
`
`suspected
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`children
`
`by Houseman
`
`to law enforcement.
`
`25.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`Defendants'
`
`negligeñce,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`has
`
`suffered,
`
`and
`
`will
`
`continue
`
`to suffer,
`
`great
`
`pain
`
`of mind
`
`and body,
`
`severe
`
`and permanent
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`physical
`
`manifestations
`
`of
`
`emotional
`
`distress,
`
`embarrassment,
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`self-esteem,
`
`humiliation
`
`and/or
`
`physical,
`
`personal
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`injuries.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`prevented,
`
`and will
`
`continue
`
`to
`
`be
`
`and/or
`
`prevented,
`
`from
`
`performing
`
`normal
`
`daily
`
`activities
`
`and
`
`obtaining
`
`the
`
`full
`
`enjoyment
`
`of
`
`life;
`
`has
`
`incurred
`
`and
`
`will
`
`continue
`
`to
`
`incur
`
`expenses
`
`for
`
`psychological
`
`treatment,
`
`therapy,
`
`and
`
`counseling,
`
`and,
`
`on
`
`information
`
`and
`
`belief
`
`has
`
`and/or
`
`will
`
`incur
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`income
`
`and/or
`
`loss
`
`of
`
`earning
`
`capacity.
`
`AS AND FOR_A
`
`CAUSE
`FIRST
`NEGLIGENCE
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`26.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incorporates
`
`all
`
`consistent
`
`paragraphs
`
`ofthis
`
`Complaint
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`under
`
`this
`
`count.
`
`5
`
`5 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`27.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`to protect
`
`the Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`injury.
`
`28.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`of
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`becansc
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`a special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`29.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`also
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`arising
`
`from
`
`its
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`parents,
`
`and
`
`other
`
`parents
`
`of young,
`
`vulnerable
`
`children,
`
`to properly
`
`train
`
`of
`
`and
`
`supervise
`
`its
`
`employees.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`a duty
`
`to establish
`
`measures
`
`protection
`
`not
`
`necessary
`
`for
`
`persons
`
`who
`
`are older
`
`or better
`
`able
`
`to safeguard
`
`themselves.
`
`30.
`
`By
`
`represeñting
`
`Houseman
`
`as safe
`
`to work
`
`with
`
`children,
`
`and
`
`by
`
`undertaking
`
`the
`
`custody
`
`and
`
`supervision
`
`of
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`a special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`As
`
`a result
`
`of Plaintiff
`
`being
`
`a minor,
`
`and
`
`by Defendant
`
`care
`
`of
`
`then
`
`vulnerable
`
`minor
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`undertaking
`
`of
`
`the
`
`and
`
`guidance
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`held
`
`a position
`
`of empowerment
`
`over
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`31.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`an
`
`in loco
`
`parentis
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`injury.
`
`32.
`
`By
`
`establishing,
`
`operating
`
`and/or
`
`administrating
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School,
`
`accepting
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff
`
`as a participant
`
`in its programs,
`
`holding
`
`its
`
`facilities
`
`and
`
`programs
`
`out
`
`to be a safe
`
`environment
`
`of
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in loco
`
`for Plaintiff,
`
`accepting
`
`custody
`
`parentis,
`
`and
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of
`
`its
`
`special
`
`relationship
`
`with
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`entered
`
`into
`
`an
`
`express
`
`and/or
`
`implied
`
`duty
`
`to
`
`properly
`
`supervise
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`provide
`
`a reasonably
`
`safe
`
`environment
`
`for
`
`children
`
`attending
`
`its
`
`schools.
`
`33.
`
`By
`
`establishing
`
`and
`
`operating
`
`Lyndonville
`
`Elementary
`
`School
`
`and
`
`by accepting
`
`the
`
`enrollment
`
`and
`
`participation
`
`of
`
`the minor
`
`Plaintiff
`
`in
`
`its
`
`educational
`
`programs,
`
`Defendant
`
`6
`
`6 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`to
`
`properly
`
`supervise
`
`Plaintiff
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`harm
`
`from
`
`generally
`
`foreseeable
`
`dangers.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`the
`
`duty
`
`to exercise
`
`the
`
`same
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`care
`
`over minor
`
`students
`
`under
`
`its
`
`control
`
`as a reasonably
`
`prudent
`
`parent
`
`would
`
`have
`
`exercised
`
`under
`
`similar
`
`circumstances.
`
`34.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`owed
`
`Plaintiff
`
`a duty
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`harm
`
`Lyndonville
`
`aware
`
`because
`
`Defendant
`
`C.S.D.
`
`was
`
`of Plaintiff's
`
`presence
`
`on its property
`
`and
`
`aware
`
`that Houseman
`
`posed
`
`a danger
`
`on Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`property.
`
`35.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`breached
`
`its
`
`duties
`
`to Plaintiff
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`use
`
`reasonable
`
`care.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`failures
`
`include,
`
`but
`
`are not
`
`limited
`
`to,
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`properly
`
`supervise
`
`Houseman,
`
`failing
`
`to properly
`
`supervise
`
`Plaintiff
`
`and
`
`failing
`
`to protect
`
`Plaintiff
`
`from
`
`a known
`
`danger.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`and
`
`36.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`psychological
`
`injuries,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`AS AND FOR A SECOND
`NEGLIGENT
`
`CAUSE
`HIRING
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`37.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incorporates
`
`all
`
`consistent
`
`paragraphs
`
`of
`
`this Complaint
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`under
`
`this
`
`count.
`
`38.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and
`
`was
`
`under
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ
`
`and
`
`control
`
`when
`
`while
`
`he/she
`
`committed
`
`the wrongful
`
`acts
`
`alleged
`
`herein.
`
`Housemañ
`
`engaged
`
`in the
`
`illegal
`
`conduct
`
`acting
`
`in
`
`the
`
`course
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`with
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and/or
`
`accomplished
`
`the
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of his/her
`
`job-created
`
`authority.
`
`39.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`negligently
`
`hired
`
`and/or
`
`negligently
`
`placed
`
`Houseman
`
`in a position
`
`to cause
`
`foreseeable
`
`harm
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`subject
`
`to
`
`7
`
`7 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`had
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`taken
`
`reasonable
`
`care
`
`in
`
`its
`
`pre-hiring
`
`investigation
`
`of
`
`Houseman.
`
`40.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`knew
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`known
`
`of
`
`Houseman's
`
`propensity
`
`for
`
`the
`
`type
`
`of behavior
`
`which
`
`resulted
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`iñjuries.
`
`41.
`
`As
`
`a
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`physical,
`
`emotional
`
`and
`
`with
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`psychological
`
`injuries,
`
`along
`
`AS AND FOR A THIRD
`TRAINING
`NEGLIGENT
`
`OF ACTION:
`CAUSE
`AND SUPERVISION
`
`42.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incorporates
`
`all
`
`consistent
`
`paragraphs
`
`of
`
`this Complaint
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`under
`
`this
`
`count.
`
`43.
`
`At
`
`all
`
`times
`
`material,
`
`Houseman
`
`was
`
`employed
`
`by Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and was
`
`under
`
`each Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.'s
`
`direct
`
`supervision,
`
`employ,
`
`and
`
`control
`
`when
`
`he committed
`
`the wrongful
`
`acts
`
`alleged
`
`herein.
`
`Houseman
`
`engaged
`
`in the wrongful
`
`conduct
`
`while
`
`acting
`
`in
`
`the
`
`course
`
`and
`
`scope
`
`of
`
`his
`
`employment
`
`with
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`and/or
`
`accomplished
`
`the
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`by
`
`virtue
`
`of his
`
`job-created
`
`authority.
`
`44.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`a
`
`duty,
`
`arising
`
`from
`
`its
`
`employment
`
`of
`
`Houseman,
`
`to ensure
`
`that Houseman
`
`did
`
`not
`
`sexually
`
`abuse
`
`children.
`
`45.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`had
`
`to train
`
`and
`
`educate
`
`employees
`
`Further,
`
`a duty
`
`and
`
`administrators
`
`and
`
`establish
`
`adequate
`
`and
`
`effective
`
`policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`calculated
`
`to
`
`detect,
`
`prevent,
`
`and
`
`address
`
`inappropriate
`
`behavior
`
`and
`
`conduct
`
`between
`
`its
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`children.
`
`46.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`was
`
`negligent
`
`in
`
`the
`
`training,
`
`supervision,
`
`and
`
`instruction
`
`of
`
`its employees.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`failed
`
`to timely
`
`and
`
`properly
`
`educate,
`
`8
`
`8 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`train,
`
`supervise,
`
`and/or
`
`monitor
`
`its agents
`
`or êñiployees
`
`with
`
`regard
`
`to policies
`
`and
`
`procedures
`
`that
`
`should
`
`be followed
`
`when
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of a child
`
`is suspected
`
`or observed.
`
`47.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`was
`
`additionally
`
`negligent
`
`in failing
`
`to
`
`supervise,
`
`monitor,
`
`chaperone,
`
`and/or
`
`investigate
`
`Houseman
`
`and/or
`
`in
`
`failing
`
`to
`
`create,
`
`institute,
`
`and/or
`
`enforce
`
`and/or
`
`regulations
`
`to
`
`prevent
`
`Houseman's
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`rules,
`
`policies,
`
`procedures,
`
`Plaintiff.
`
`48.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`further
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`establish
`
`policies,
`
`procedures,
`
`traiñiñg,
`
`manuals
`
`and
`
`other
`
`instructive
`
`materials
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`publish
`
`such
`
`materials
`
`to
`
`all
`
`employees
`
`and
`
`administrators.
`
`49.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoiñg,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`injuries,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`AS AND FOR A FOURTH
`NEGLIGENT
`
`CAUSE
`RETENTION
`
`OF ACTION:
`
`50.
`
`Plaintiff
`
`incorporates
`
`all
`
`consistent
`
`paragraphs
`
`of
`
`this Complaint
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`under
`
`this
`
`count.
`
`51.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`became
`
`aware
`
`or
`
`should
`
`have
`
`become
`
`aware
`
`of
`
`Houseman's
`
`propensity
`
`for
`
`child
`
`sexual
`
`abuse
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to take
`
`any
`
`further
`
`action
`
`to remedy
`
`the
`
`problem
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to investigate
`
`or
`
`remove
`
`Houseman
`
`from
`
`working
`
`with
`
`children.
`
`Houseman
`
`52.
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`negligently
`
`and/or
`
`recklessly
`
`retained
`
`with
`
`knowledge
`
`of Houseman's
`
`propensity
`
`for
`
`the
`
`type
`
`of behavior
`
`which
`
`resulted
`
`in Plaintiff's
`
`injuries
`
`in this
`
`action.
`
`53.
`
`Defendants
`
`negligently
`
`and/or
`
`recklessly
`
`retained
`
`Housemañ
`
`in a position
`
`where
`
`he had
`
`access
`
`to children
`
`and
`
`could
`
`foreseeably
`
`cause
`
`harm
`
`which
`
`Plaintiff
`
`would
`
`not
`
`have
`
`been
`
`subjected
`
`to had Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`acted
`
`reasonably.
`
`9
`
`9 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`54.
`
`In failing
`
`to timely
`
`remove
`
`Houseman
`
`from
`
`working
`
`with
`
`children
`
`or
`
`terminate
`
`the
`
`employment
`
`of Houseman,
`
`Defendant
`
`Lyndonville
`
`C.S.D.
`
`negligently
`
`and/or
`
`recklessly
`
`failed
`
`to
`
`exercise
`
`the
`
`degree
`
`of
`
`care
`
`that
`
`a reasonably
`
`prudent
`
`parent
`
`would
`
`have
`
`exercised
`
`under
`
`similar
`
`circumstances,
`
`and
`
`created
`
`an increased
`
`risk
`
`of
`
`future
`
`harm.
`
`55.
`
`a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`Plaintiff
`
`sustained
`
`and
`
`As
`
`foregoing,
`
`physical,
`
`emotional,
`
`psychological
`
`injuries,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`AS AND FOR A FIFTH
`OF STATUTORY
`BREACH
`
`CAUSE
`DUTY
`
`OF ACTION:
`TO REPORT
`
`56.
`
`Plaintiffincorporates
`
`all
`
`consistent
`
`paragraphs
`
`ofthis
`
`Complaint
`
`as if
`
`fully
`
`set
`
`forth
`
`under
`
`this
`
`count.
`
`57.
`
`Defendants
`
`became
`
`aware
`
`or should
`
`have
`
`become
`
`aware
`
`of
`
`suspected
`
`incidents
`
`child
`
`abuse
`
`and/or
`
`maltreatment
`
`by Houseman,
`
`and
`
`failed
`
`to take
`
`any
`
`action
`
`to report,
`
`remedy
`
`of
`
`or
`
`from
`
`otherwise
`
`investigate
`
`the
`
`child
`
`abuse
`
`and/or
`
`maltreatment
`
`and
`
`remove
`
`Houseman
`
`working
`
`near
`
`or with
`
`access
`
`to children.
`
`58.
`
`Pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Social
`
`Services
`
`Law § 413,
`
`Defendants
`
`had
`
`a mandatory
`
`duty
`
`to report
`
`suspected
`
`abuse
`
`or maltreatment
`
`of Plaintiff.
`
`59.
`
`Defendants
`
`and/or
`
`its agents
`
`violated
`
`this
`
`statutory
`
`duty
`
`by
`
`failing
`
`to report
`
`known
`
`and/or
`
`suspected
`
`abuse
`
`of
`
`children,
`
`including
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`by Ciccarelli
`
`to law enforcement.
`
`prevented
`
`from
`
`the
`
`60.
`
`As
`
`a direct
`
`result
`
`of
`
`the
`
`foregoing,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`was
`
`receiving
`
`benefit
`
`of
`
`a thorough
`
`investigation
`
`and
`
`prompt
`
`medical
`
`attention,
`
`and
`
`has
`
`sustained,
`
`and
`
`will
`
`continue
`
`to sustain
`
`physical,
`
`emotional
`
`and
`
`psychological
`
`injuries,
`
`along
`
`with
`
`pain
`
`and
`
`suffering.
`
`61.
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`damages
`
`are the
`
`direct
`
`result
`
`of Defendants
`
`failure
`
`to report
`
`and
`
`are fully
`
`recoverable
`
`pursuant
`
`to New York
`
`Social
`
`Services
`
`Law § 420.
`
`10
`
`10 of 11
`
`

`

`FILED: ORLEANS COUNTY CLERK 02/09/2022 11:07 AM
`NYSCEF DOC. NO. 5
`
`INDEX NO. 20-46602
`
`RECEIVED NYSCEF: 02/09/2022
`
`PRAYER
`
`FOR RELIEF
`
`WHEREFORE,
`
`based
`
`on
`
`the
`
`foregoing
`
`causes
`
`of
`
`action,
`
`Plaintiff
`
`prays
`
`for
`
`judgment
`
`against
`
`Defendant(s)
`
`in
`
`an amount
`
`that
`
`will
`
`fully
`
`and
`
`fairly
`
`compensate
`
`Plaintiff
`
`for
`
`Plaintiff's
`
`injuries
`
`and
`
`dainages,
`
`and
`
`for
`
`any
`
`other
`
`relief
`
`the Court
`
`deems
`
`appropriate.
`
`The
`
`amount
`
`of damages
`
`sought
`
`in
`
`this
`
`Complaint
`
`exceeds
`
`the
`
`jurisdictional
`
`limits
`
`of
`
`all
`
`lower
`
`courts
`
`which
`
`would
`
`otherwise
`
`have
`
`jurisdiction.
`
`DATED:
`
`November
`
`24,
`
`2020
`
`Leah
`STEVE
`40 North
`
`Costanzo,
`BOYD,
`Forest
`
`Esq.
`PC
`Road
`NY 14221
`400-0000
`
`Williamsville,
`Telephone:
`(716)
`Icostanzo@steveboyd.com
`
`R. Anderson
`Jeffrey
`Reck
`J. Michael
`& ASSOCIATES,
`ANDERSON
`JEFF
`7th Floor
`52 Duane
`Street,
`NY 10007
`New York,
`759-2551
`Telephone:
`(646)
`jeff@andersonadvocates.com
`mreck@andersonadvocates.com
`Counsel
`for
`
`Plaintiff
`
`P.A.
`
`11 of 11
`
`