Following a nine-month investigation by a security consulting firm, school officials at Massachusetts’ prestigious Milton Academy recently confirmed a decades-long sexual abuse scandal. Four teachers are alleged to have molested several students over the years. The school’s theater program director from 1975 to 1987, Rey Buono is accused of abusing at least 12 boys. Buono was fired in 1987 after admitting to molesting a male student. According to the consulting firm, Milton Academy “had some knowledge of Rey Buono’s misconduct in 1982,” but he continued to work there for an additional five years.
More than 200 Victims
The investigation extends beyond Milton to other schools in New England. All in all, more than 200 victims have come forward, and at least 90 legal claims have been filed against at least 67 private schools in the region. In an official apology letter, Milton school officials wrote, “On behalf of Milton Academy and its board of trustees, we want to acknowledge and deeply apologize for those failures.” That letter was but one in a series of apology letters sent by dozens of private schools in the New England region. In fact, a recent investigation by the Boston Globe discovered sexual abuse allegations in more than 100 New England private schools in the past 25 years.
“Milton Academy’s leadership at that time failed to protect students and failed to investigate whether Rey Buono had abused other students during his tenure at the school,” said Todd Bland, the current head of school. If you have been the victim of sexual abuse or harassment, a Boston sexual abuse attorney can help you determine how to proceed.
After losing his job in 1987 due to sexual abuse allegations, Buono moved to Southeast Asia in 1988 and has been working in a similar capacity – with children – ever since. According to a spokesperson for Milton Academy, immigration authorities have been contacted with the findings of the investigation. In addition to Buono, three other Milton employees are alleged to have sexually abused three female students. The claims range from lewd comments to sexual intercourse. Milton Academy has not identified the other male employees, but says that reports have been filed with “appropriate officials and law enforcement agencies.”
Sexual Abuse Can Have Lifelong Repercussions
Milton Academy’s current school leaders have acknowledged the detrimental impact that sexual abuse can have on an individual, saying that these victims “can live with the repercussions of those acts for years.” The school is responding by offering to pay for counseling services for victims. A MA sexual abuse lawyer can help you determine your rights and options if you were a victim of sexual abuse at Milton Academy or any other school.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Sexual Abuse Lawyers Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been sexually abused or harassed, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. When people in a position of power or authority, such as teachers, prey on a victim’s innocence or helplessness, they should be punished for their actions. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our experienced, compassionate attorneys have been helping victims of sexual abuse for more than five decades. We will analyze the details of your case to determine the best legal strategy. We understand that these cases often open old wounds, so it is our goal to make the process as quick and painless as possible so that you can get on with your life. Financial compensation can never erase the pain of abuse, but it can help ease other aspects of your life so that you may focus on healing. If you have been harmed by another’s misconduct, we can help.
Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.