A number of former students at Episcopal Academy in suburban Philadelphia have come forward alleging they were sexually abused by Richard Perkins Smith, a former teacher and administrator at the Episcopal Academy in Devon, Pennsylvania. Criminal charges are pending against Richard Perkins Smith in Massachusetts since the alleged assaults occurred in Cape Cod, and a warrant for Smith’s arrest has been issued in Pennsylvania. The location of the abuse is significant because it may pave the way for his victims to bring civil claims against the Episcopal Academy using a newly passed Massachusetts law which extends the time in which victims of childhood sexual abuse can bring civil claims. Currently, Pennsylvania law is not as forgiving and may bar similar claims depending upon when the abuse happened. Civil claims may be viable since Smith admitted to abusing a student to the head of the school.
The attorneys at Andreozzi + Foote focus their practice in representing victims of crime in civil cases. They have represented sexual abuse victims from across the country in high profile cases, including the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky case, and various claims against religious institutions. To determine if you might have a case or to gain further information regarding sexual abuse claims please call Andreozzi + Foote at (866) 311-8640.
