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New Jersey Juvenile Raped By Guards Settles For $500,000
On May 24, 2002, Morris County, New Jersey, paid $500,000 to settle with a
former prisoner who was sexually assaulted by two guards at the Morris
County Juvenile Detention Center.
While imprisoned in the detention center in September 1997, Mary Smith, a
17-year-old runaway, claimed she was sexually assaulted by guards Harold
Sargent and Donald Stokes. The guards were originally charged with
aggravated assault, but they pled guilty to official misconduct and
received one year jail time.
Smith sued Morris County and jail officials claiming they were negligent in
their management, supervision, and hiring at the jail. She claimed she
suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and sought damages for pain and
suffering and personal injury.
Smith also sued Sargent and Stokes. Neither answered the complaint or
appeared in court. A default judgment was entered against them in 2001.
Smith was represented by Michael R. Ascher and Sergio G. Carro, both of the
Denville, New Jersey firm Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Brabarito, Frost &
Ironson. See: Smith v. County of Morris, Morris County Superior Court, Case
No. MRS-L-3030-00.
Source: VerdictSearch New York Reporter
former prisoner who was sexually assaulted by two guards at the Morris
County Juvenile Detention Center.
While imprisoned in the detention center in September 1997, Mary Smith, a
17-year-old runaway, claimed she was sexually assaulted by guards Harold
Sargent and Donald Stokes. The guards were originally charged with
aggravated assault, but they pled guilty to official misconduct and
received one year jail time.
Smith sued Morris County and jail officials claiming they were negligent in
their management, supervision, and hiring at the jail. She claimed she
suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and sought damages for pain and
suffering and personal injury.
Smith also sued Sargent and Stokes. Neither answered the complaint or
appeared in court. A default judgment was entered against them in 2001.
Smith was represented by Michael R. Ascher and Sergio G. Carro, both of the
Denville, New Jersey firm Einhorn, Harris, Ascher, Brabarito, Frost &
Ironson. See: Smith v. County of Morris, Morris County Superior Court, Case
No. MRS-L-3030-00.
Source: VerdictSearch New York Reporter
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Related legal case
Smith v. County of Morris
| Year | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Cite | Morris County Superior Court, Case No. MRS-L-3030- |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 500000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |