Child Victims Act Lawsuit Filed over Ex-YMCA Volunteer

A new Child Victims Act lawsuit has been filed over a former YMCA volunteer and convicted sex offender who allegedly abused and raped a teenage boy in the 80s.

The complaint, filed on Aug. 10, 2020, alleges that Michael Gregg sexually abused a teenage boy in his care while serving as a YMCA youth program volunteer back in the 80s. The teenager had been diagnosed mental disabilities as a young child, the lawsuit noted.

The alleged abuse lasted for the course of a year, with Gregg using his position at the YMCA to befriend the boy (who was 15 years old at the time) beginning in 1986. The Child Victims Act lawsuit accuses Gregg, now 61, of grooming the boy and inviting him to his house periodically, allegedly raping the teenage boy during one encounter at his house. However, the lawsuit also alleges that many other abuses took place during the course of a year—approximately three times a week.

Shortly after this period of abuse, Gregg was investigated in the summer of 1987 for abuse against other children, most of whom he met through volunteering with the YMCA. He was prosecuted in Broome County Court on 41 counts. The indictment alleged he abused 16 children.

Police initially uncovered the abuse after they received information indicating that “a lot of young boys” were seen hanging out at Gregg’s house, and also learned about alleged photos being taken of the children.

After YMCA officials learned of these allegations, Gregg was dismissed from his volunteer work with the YMCA in June 1987. The investigation later found that Gregg had been sexually abusing children since as far back as 1983. In 1988, he pled guilty to a felony count of first-degree sodomy against a 9-year-old boy.

This new Child Victims Act lawsuit does not specify whether or not the plaintiff, who is using a pseudonym in court, was one of the original alleged victims from that investigation back in the ’80s. Moreover, this lawsuit doesn’t actually name Gregg as a defendant, though he is accused in the suit.

Instead, the lawsuit names the YMCA of Broome County, Alliance of New York State YMCAs, Inc., and the YMCA of the USA as defendants. The reason for this is that the New York Child Victims Act allows survivors to file lawsuits against institutions for claims that were previously barred. The lookback window for these claims has been extended until Aug. 14, 2021.

A growing number of survivors of child sexual abuse are coming forward with allegations against their abusers, as well as the organizations that allowed the abuse to take place. Survivors claim that some organizations have failed to recognize abuse, ignored abuse, or even actively covered it up.

If you or your child was abused by a volunteer, staff member, coach, or other adult involved in a youth organization—even if that abuse took place years or even decades ago—you may be able to file a Child Victims Act lawsuit and pursue compensation. The Child Victims Act increased protections for child victims of sexual abuse by extending the statute of limitations for these cases, as well as adding a look-back window for cases that were previously time-barred.

Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering or trauma caused by child sexual abuse, but it can at least help to provide monetary compensation, as well as to help hold those responsible accountable for both their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially over something as serious as child sex abuse, Top Class Actions can help by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of litigation and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.