Sage Datko  |  July 22, 2021

Category: Legal News

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Man gets 30 year sentence for the sexually assaulting minors.

A North Carolina judge sentenced a former YMCA and Disney World employee to between 27 and 30 years in prison for sexually abusing eight boys in Winston-Salem, N.C., between 1991 and 2001. Now, nine men have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Pegram.

Childhood Sex Abuse Case

In November 2017, police arrested Michael Todd Pegram outside one of Walt Disney World’s All-Star Resorts, where Pegram worked at the time.

In 2017, a victim who is now a man in his 30s, filed a report with the Kernersville, N.C. Police Department. According to the indictment, Pegram used his position as a YMCA counselor and volunteer firefighter to gain access to children.

The Kernersville Family YMCA terminated Pegram’s 14-year employment there in March 2002. The Winston-Salem Journal reported that Pegram invited boys he met through the YMCA to his home, a violation of YMCA policy.

At his house, Pegram allegedly sexually assaulted the young boys and threatened to tell the parents of those who refused to do what that the child behaved badly. At least one boy said Pegram threatened to kill the boy’s parents if he did not comply with Pegram’s wishes.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported that, according to search warrants, Pegram also allegedly video recorded sexual assaults and hid the video cassettes in one of his sheds at his home or a tin box buried in his backyard.

Pegram pleaded guilty in June 2019 to five counts of first-degree sex offenses, 21 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, and one count each of attempted first-degree sex offense and a statutory sex offense with a child.

Since Pegram’s arrest in 2017, nine men have come forward in a lawsuit, per the Winston-Salem Journal, alleging that he used to handpick boys to be part of an exclusive group known as “Todd’s Thunderbirds.”

“It was an honor to be in Defendant Pegram’s counseling group and those in this group were revered as the ‘cool kids,’” the lawsuit alleges. “Defendant Pegram used gifts, special privileges and attention to lure these young boys and win their trust.”

Pegram took the children on trips to the beach and Disney World, and held sleepovers after events. According to the lawsuit, Pegram encouraged the boys to skinny dip and then stole their clothes, and showed the boys pornography.

The lawsuit claims that Pegram restrained the boys “by force, threat or fraud.”

Years after the abuse took place, the men allege that they continue to struggle with the effects of the abuse, including mental health problems, substance abuse, nightmares, and more.

The lawsuit does not only level claims against Pegram, but also against the Kernersville YMCA. According to the lawsuit, the YMCA, administrators, and employees either knew or should have known about Pegram’s inappropriate conduct with the boys. Indeed, parents of some of the boys complained to the YMCA but nothing was done, the lawsuit says.

Justice for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Countless children involved in organized sports, after school programming, scouting programs, and other organizations have been abused by their leaders, counselors, and volunteers.

Fortunately, several states have recently expanded their laws regarding the statute of limitations for abuse cases. This means that many victims whose cases may have expired under previous laws may now be able to seek justice and accountability for their experiences and suffering.

If you were a victim of childhood sexual abuse, a knowledgeable attorney may be able to help you determine whether you qualify to take legal action against the person, school, or organization that allowed the abuse to occur.

Join a Free Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

If you were a victim of sexual assault by any person in an athletic, school, medical, or employment setting, you are entitled to a free case evaluation to find out your potential remedies and compensation. Fill out the FREE form on this page for more information.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
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