Firm News & Media Center

Rutgers Preparatory School, Former Teachers, and Assistant Coaches Sued in Connection with Sexual Abuse of Former Student

Laffey, Bucci & Kent represent a woman who suffered traumatic abuse as a minor at the New Jersey private school; other victims urged to call hotline at 855.382.3385

Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP today filed suit against Rutgers Preparatory School, the school’s former teachers and assistant coaches Matthew Rennie and Ranait Griff, and others in connection with the sexual abuse of a former student, who was then a minor.

Firm attorneys Brian Kent, Stewart Ryan and Alexandria MacMaster represent the female victim, “Mary Doe,” who was enrolled at the private school from 2018 to 2021. The complaint alleges that Rutgers Prep and all defendants negligently failed to protect the minor student, and knew, or should have known, of Rennie’s unlawful, harmful, and offensive sexual conduct with the minor and did nothing to stop it.

“Defendant Matthew Rennie had access to countless children during his tenure working as a teacher and assistant coach with Rutgers Prep,” said Kent. “Rutgers Prep was aware of the inappropriate relationships fostered at the school, including between Rennie and our client, and allowed a toxic culture to bloom between students, teachers, and coaches by failing to supervise its staff or respond to student complaints. To add insult to Mary Doe’s injury, Coach Griff knew of Rennie’s conduct, and actively encouraged Mary Doe to engage in physical, sexual activity with Rennie. The defendants’ collective failure to act to protect Mary Doe and other students at Rutgers Prep is grossly negligent.”

The complaint alleges that the defendants caused the victim to experience extreme emotional distress, loss of earnings, services, companionship, and contribution. It further alleges violations of New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Breach of Contract, Assault & Battery, and Failure to Rescue.

“We encourage anyone who may have experienced inappropriate conduct or sexual abuse by Rennie or Griff, or sexual abuse by any other employee of Rutgers Prep to come forward,” said Kent. “The school must be held accountable for its negligence and the harm it has caused Mary Doe and anyone else who may have been harmed.”

The complaint alleges a culture of permissive and inappropriate conduct between students and Rutgers Prep coaching staff. After being recruited to attend Rutgers Prep due to her athletic abilities, Mary Doe began her freshman year in 2018. In 2019, she confided in Rennie about the emotional abuse she received from other Rutgers Prep coaches. As a graduate of Rutgers Prep himself, Rennie was familiar with Rutgers Prep’s history of fostering a negative environment for female athletes. This began a period of grooming via text messages between Rennie and Mary Doe. Rutgers Prep administrators knew students communicated with coaches via cell phone and did nothing to stop the practice. Rennie began to eat lunch daily with Mary Doe, and by 2020, he was having daily conversations and text messages with her. As he continued to groom her, Mary Doe began to describe Rennie as her “best friend.”

As alleged in the complaint, by March 8, 2021, Griff was aware of the conduct between Rennie and Mary Doe after hearing Rennie say that he loved the minor-student and read text messages exchanged between the two. Griff asked Mary Doe how “she felt about the situation” and discussed it with her, telling Mary Doe she thought she and Rennie were “seriously adorable” and “when do you think it’s going to start being physical?” Instead of reporting Rennie’s abuse as she was required to, Griff asked Mary Doe if she could “handle” being physical with Rennie and actively encouraged the abuse.

The complaint further alleges that in 2020-2021, during COVID, when most students were learning from home every other week, Mary Doe was allowed to come to school every day, and she spent much of that time alone with Rennie. During this time and on many other occasions throughout 2021, teachers, staff and custodians observed inappropriate conduct and behavior between Mary Doe and Rennie and did not report, question, or raise any alarm. Furthermore, the school has cameras throughout the campus, including one directly in front of Rennie’s classroom, where the two spent much of their time. The school took no action to stop Rennie’s conduct, which swiftly moved from journaling with Mary Doe to kissing her and other sexual conduct.

Anyone who experienced or is aware of improper conduct by Rennie, Griff, or others at Rutgers Prep are urged to call a hotline established at 855.382.3385. For additional information, contact Kent, Stewart or MacMaster at 855.382.3385, or bkent@laffeybuccikent.com, rstewart@laffeybuccikent.com and amacmaster@lbk-law.com.

Victims’ Advocate Attorney Stewart Ryan Promoted to Partner at Laffey, Bucci & Kent

Personal injury law firm Laffey, Bucci & Kent is pleased to announce that attorney Stewart Ryan has been promoted to Partner of the firm. Ryan regularly handles cases nationwide involving sexual and physical assaults in institutional settings and is a staunch advocate for victims of sexual assault and abuse.

“Stew has done remarkable work with the firm on behalf of victims of crime,” said Jeff Laffey, firm managing partner. “We are proud to elevate him to Partner. He is a passionate advocate for our clients in the constant pursuit of justice for individuals who have suffered emotional or physical injuries. We look forward to his continued service as a vital member of our team.”

Ryan has litigated cases against religious organizations that have allowed children to be abused for decades, including cases against the Catholic Church (in multiple states), Seventh-Day Adventists, Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America, and various cults, including Scientology, among others.

“I am honored to serve the firm and our clients as a Partner,” said Ryan. “I am deeply committed to helping our clients achieve justice and to ensuring they are treated with compassion and empathy. I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of those who have been injured or harmed.”

Prior to joining Laffey, Bucci & Kent, Ryan served as Assistant Chief of the Trials Division in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled a wide variety of cases including homicides and violent crimes. He also prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby Jr. He presented the testimony of past victims, handled several critical cross-examinations, and made the final closing argument before the jury returned its guilty verdict and was interviewed on Good Morning America as a result.

A widely recognized speaker, Ryan has presented to audiences across the United States and Canada on issues related to sexual violence, prevention, institutional abuse, and high-profile prosecutions. He is also regularly relied upon as a subject matter expert by local, national, and international media. He received his law degree from Widener University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College.

Laffey, Bucci & Kent Founder Featured in The Legal Intelligencer on Verdict of 2.5 Million for Injured Union Carpenter

The Legal Intelligencer reported on the Pennsylvania Superior Court opinion that upheld a $2.5 million verdict obtained on behalf of a union carpenter who sustained serious injuries when he was caused to fall when a scaffold’s platform collapsed. The opinion upheld and affirmed the trial judge’s preclusion of evidence that the design of the scaffold complied with standards issue by the scaffold industry. It is one of the first decisions that has provided guidance since the pivotal decision in Tincher v. Omega Flex, which created new standards by which a plaintiff must prove that a product is defective.

Laffey, Bucci & Kent founder Jeffrey Laffey and attorney Stewart Ryan represented the plaintiffs in Sullivan v. Werner.  

Attorney Jeffrey Laffey said the superior court’s decision “keeps alive and well the Restatement (Second) 402A for the very sound reason that the focus should always be on the product and not the conduct of the manufacturer”.

Michael Sullivan, a union carpenter, was working on a rolling steel scaffold, commonly referred to as a “baker scaffold”, at the Albert Schweitzer Elementary School in Levittown when the scaffolding platform dislodged and collapsed causing him to fall and land on his buttocks, breaking his tailbone. The accident also left Sullivan with two protruding spinal discs, which has prevented his return to work as a union carpenter.

Laffey has achieved multi-million-dollar recoveries on behalf of hundreds of injured union construction workers from all trades – including carpenters, plumbers, electricians, cement masons, ironworkers, laborers, and operating engineers.

Read the full article here: Industry Standards Evidence May Be Excluded From Products Liability Cases, Pa. Appeals Court Rules (subscription required)

Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP Featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer Regarding A Jointly Filed Lawsuit

Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP is featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer regarding a jointly filed lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center, and Child Guidance Resources Center on behalf of their clients, two former residents of the now-closed youth detention center.

The lawsuit filed by Laffey, Bucci & Kent seeks to hold the center accountable for years of rampant sexual, physical, and psychological violence.

Dan McGarrigle, who filed the lawsuit along with Laffey, Bucci & Kent and one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, said, “The facts that I’ve heard from my two current clients were shocking to me after almost 20 years handling serious criminal cases, and I thought there wasn’t much that would shock me anymore,”.

Read the full article here.

Brian Kent Quoted in The Legal Intelligencer Regarding A Jointly Filed Class Action Lawsuit Against MindGeek

A group of survivor-focused and commercial litigation law firms have filed a class action lawsuit against MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub. Lawyers from Conrad O’Brien and Laffey, Bucci & Kent represent the Jane Doe plaintiffs who are two survivors of childhood sex trafficking.

Brian Kent, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs, said, “We believe this class action is the most impactful and least intrusive way for survivors of childhood trafficking exploited in a way that lined MindGeek’s pockets to hold these companies accountable and prevent child victimization from being published or distributed through MindGeek’s websites ever again.”

Read the full article here. [Subscription Required]

Laffey, Bucci & Kent Attorney Stewart Ryan Discusses Bill Cosby Conviction Appeal to Pa. Supreme Court with Media Outlets

Laffey, Bucci & Kent Case Result Among The Legal Intelligencer’s Top 25 Verdicts of 2019

New Jersey Law Journal Quotes Laffey, Bucci & Kent Attorney Stewart Ryan

The New Jersey Law Journal’s Charles Toutant recently talked to Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorney Stewart Ryan regarding the firm’s lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for an article entitled, Pennsylvania Priest Sex Abuse Victims Who Sued in New Jersey Facing Jurisdictional Fight.

The article provides an update on the jurisdictional issues faced by some plaintiffs who are alleging that they are victims of priest sexual abuse. Laffey, Bucci & Kent represents plaintiffs in two such cases against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Ryan told the New Jersey Law Journal that he is confident that the courts will find the archdiocese is subject to jurisdiction in New Jersey. In its opposition to the archdiocese’s motion to dismiss, the Laffey, Bucci & Kent team cited a 2006 New Jersey Supreme Court case, Hardwicke v. American Boychoir School, which held that a private boarding school could be held liable for sexual abuse of children by its employees.

“In Hardwicke, the New Jersey Supreme Court came down squarely on the issue to say the scope of employment that would create vicarious liability can extend beyond usual norms,” Ryan said in the article.

Ryan went on to say that a grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in Philadelphia indicated the archdiocese knew its priests routinely took children to the Jersey Shore to sexually abuse them.

Read the full article in the New Jersey Law Journal (Subscription required)

CBS 6 Discusses Virginia Massage Envy Sexual Assault Case with Attorney Stewart Ryan

Laffey, Bucci & Kent represents a woman alleging that she was sexually assaulted at a Massage Envy location in Short Pump, Virginia. CBS 6 Problem Solvers recently interviewed Stewart Ryan and the firm’s client for an investigative report on sexual abuse at the massage franchise and how state regulators address the issue.

Ryan called the issue an epidemic and believes Massage Envy must work harder to protect its customers. “It doesn’t appear that anything is being done, the fact that sexual assault continues to occur evidences that nothing is being done, or the right things aren’t being done.”

Watch the full interviews here.

Stewart Ryan Discusses Weinstein Prosecution Strategy with ABC News

In the Harvey Weinstein trial, the jurors attempted to turn in a partial verdict and the prosecutors refused, sending the jurors back to deliberation.

About the prosecution’s refusal, Stewart Ryan said, “From a legal perspective, it made sense to send them back, but I think it can ultimately benefit them to give the jury the weekend. Sending them home increases the likelihood they come back with a full guilty verdict.”

Ryan also cautioned, “You never know what a jury is thinking.” Read the ABC News article here.

Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of criminal sexual assault and of rape in the third degree on Feb. 24, 2020.

Stewart Ryan Quoted in Vanity Fair on Weinstein Jury Selection

Seven men, five women and three alternates were sworn in as jurors on Friday, January 17th in the Weinstein case after more that 600 potential New York jurors were screened after a time-consuming two-week process.

Stewart Ryan, Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorney who practices civil litigation for victims of sexual assault, said that “identifying jurors with a contemporary understanding of sexual assault is important—but so is identifying jurors who are open to learning about the topic.” He also mentioned that forensic psychiatrist Dr. Barbara Ziv, who testified about why victims of sexual assault may delay response at Cosby’s trial, is expected to testify at Weinstein’s trial too.

Weinstein’s case is predicted to last many weeks.

Read the full article on Vanity Fair.com.

Laffey, Bucci & Kent Attorney Stewart Ryan Discusses Cosby Jury Selection Strategy as Weinstein Jury Selection Starts

Jury selection in the trial of Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein on charges of rape and sexual assault started on Jan. 7 in New York. As both sides delved into jurors’ backgrounds and opinions, experts weighed in on jury selection strategy for high profile cases. Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorney Stewart Ryan, who helped prosecute and convict Bill Cosby on sexual assault charges, commented on the case to the Associated Press.

In the Cosby sexual assault case, Ryan and other prosecutors sought to fill the jury box with people who were 30 years old and younger, as well as older people who had children that age. They believed that people in those age groups would be more likely to keep up with the evolving cultural conversation on sexual assault.

“Young people are more likely to have contact with someone involved in a sexual assault or have those experiences themselves,” said Ryan. “And professionals are going to be tuned into sexual harassment policies in the workplace.”

Weinstein’s case is predicted to last many weeks, complicated by the publicity and public disgust towards the man widely seen as the biggest monster of the #MeToo movement.

Read the full article on APNews.com

Brian Kent talks with KYW Newsradio about Victims’ Rights in Michael White Sentencing

A 22-year-old Philadelphia man, Michael White, was convicted in October 2019 of tampering with evidence for tossing the knife used in the 2018 stabbing death of real estate developer Sean Schellenger, but was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter.

White’s defense attorneys wanted to prohibit the victim’s family from reading victim impact statements in court, but prosecutors were fighting to allow the family to speak.

Former Montgomery County prosecutor-turned-civil attorney Brian Kent told KYW reporter Kristen Johanson that Pennsylvania law gives crime victims the right to speak in court, but there is an argument to be made based on White’s conviction. Kent, who is not involved in the White case, is an advocate for sexual assault victims.

Listen to and read the KYW Newsradio interview with Kent here.  

Attorney Stewart Ryan Quoted by KYW Newsradio on Newly Filed Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits in NJ

Laffey, Bucci and Kent recently filed four sex abuse cases in New Jersey involving priests from both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Attorney Stewart Ryan said that more cases may be filed by the end of the month. New Jersey opened a two-year window for filing civil lawsuits on behalf of alleged victims of sex abuse whose cases are decades old.

Click here to read the full article. 

Guy D’Andrea Talks with WGAL News 8 about New Dr. Vollmar Accusers

In the alleged child sexual abuse case against Dr. William Vollmar that came to light last April, thirteen more accusers have come forward to speak their truth. Additionally, the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office filed a motion to add the account of the 13 accusers to its case against Vollmar as witnesses.

Guy D’Andrea, attorney for at least one survivor of Dr. Vollmar’s alleged abuse, spoke with WGAL’s Katelyn Smith, saying that more victims were expected to come forward due to Vollmar’s wide-reaching practice wherein a countless number of individuals, including children, were in his care.

D’Andrea also urged survivors to speak their truth, despite the statute of limitations: “Tell your truth. Tell what happened to you. That will help the survivors who do have a cause of action. But it will also ensure, I believe, if justice is done, that no one else is victimized by this man.”

Watch WGAL’s interview with Guy here.

Institutional Sexual Abuse & Harassment: Prevention, Response, and Survivor’s Rights & Remedies – Brian Kent

Laffey, Bucci, & Kent partner Brian Kent spoke at the Center On Sexual Exploitation on the topic of “Institutional Sexual Abuse & Harassment: Prevention, Response, and Survivor’s Rights & Remedies”

Institutional Sexual Abuse & Harassment: Prevention, Response, and Survivor’s Rights & Remedies – Brian Kent from Center On Sexual Exploitation on Vimeo.

Philly Voice Talks Alleged Abuse at Valley Forge Military Academy and College with Attorney Brian Kent

Laffey, Bucci, & Kent partner Brian Kent spoke with Philly Voice reporter Natalie Hope McDonald about the firm’s lawsuit against Valley Forge Military Academy and College. The lawsuit, filed in April, alleges devastating physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of the plaintiff, John Doe.

Kent explained that the purpose of the lawsuit is about “exposing the habitual abuses that were happening at the school.”

Kent also told McDonald that he expects to file additional complaints. Anyone with information about VFMAC or who has been victimized themselves can call the law firm’s hotline at 855-382-3385.

To read the Philly Voice article, click here.

Laffey, Bucci & Kent Lawsuit Against Valley Forge Military Academy Sent Back to State Court

The Legal Intelligencer’s P.J. D’Annuzio reported on Laffey, Bucci & Kent’s recent victory in their case against Valley Forge Military Academy.

The case was improperly transferred out of state court after the Defendants used a tactic called “snap removal.” U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted the Plaintiff’s request to remand the case to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Brian Kent, Guy D’Andrea, and Stewart Ryan.

Attorney Brian Kent said, “While we disagree with the tactic used by the Defendant in attempting a snap removal to avoid this case being heard by a Philadelphia County jury in a matter involving solely state law claims against an in-state defendant, especially given the allegations of abuse in this case, we are pleased with Judge Baylson’s decision to apply the law and require the Defendant to strictly adhere to the requirements regarding removal.”

Read the full article on Law.com. (Subscription required)

Jeffrey Laffey Speaks to WWDB-AM Talk 860 American Justice Radio Network About Carpenter Injured in Scaffolding Fall and Awarded $2.5M

Brian Kent Speaks On WPTV 5 About Florida Massage Envy Sexual Assault Cases

Philadelphia Inquirer Quotes Attorney Brian Kent in Story on Abuse Lawsuit Against Germantown Academy

Laffi, Bucci & Kent partner Brian Kent was quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about a lawsuit alleging that elite preparatory school Germantown Academy tolerated physical and mental abuse of several swimmers by renowned coach Richard Shoulberg. Kent represents the ex-swimmer who brought the suit claiming that Shoulberg was allowed to continue coaching despite the many verified claims of abuse that occurred during his tenure.

“We wanted the truth out there in regard to what occurred,” Kent told The Inquirer.

Click here to read the full story on The Philadelphia Inquirer’s website.

Brian Kent Appears On Good Morning America Regarding Massage Envy Lawsuits

Philadelphia Inquirer Quotes Attorney Brian Kent in Story on Abuse Lawsuit Against Germantown Academy

Laffi, Bucci & Kent partner Brian Kent was quoted in a Philadelphia Inquirer article about a lawsuit alleging that elite preparatory school Germantown Academy tolerated physical and mental abuse of several swimmers by renowned coach Richard Shoulberg. Kent represents the ex-swimmer who brought the suit claiming that Shoulberg was allowed to continue coaching despite the many verified claims of abuse that occurred during his tenure.

“We wanted the truth out there in regard to what occurred,” Kent told The Inquirer.

Click here to read the full story on The Philadelphia Inquirer’s website.

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ABC News, May 31, 2019

ABC News interviewed Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorney and former Montgomery County assistant district attorney Stew Ryan as part of a discussion with current and former sex crimes prosecutors, high-profile defense attorneys, and sexual assault experts about the case against Kevin Spacey in Massachusetts.

When asked about the jury trial, Ryan said, “In the context of a jury trial, there is nothing that is more important than the [alleged] victim being able to look the jury in the eye[s], and the jury being able to look [the alleged victim] in the eye. That common sense, gut feeling when you look someone in the eye and decide whether they are telling the truth is paramount in these cases.”

Ryan also added: “I believe that we are in a place right now where the cult of celebrity is not as powerful as it once was. When you hear the facts in a case like this, the aura of celebrity is very easily stripped away.”

Spacey has been accused of sexually assaulting a young man who was working as a busboy at the Club Car bar and restaurant in Nantucket, Mass.

Read the full article on ABCNews.com.

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Philly Labor WWDBAM, May 20, 2019

Listen live to Jeff Laffey on WWDB 860AM or online at http://wwdbam.com/ from Noon to 1:00PM, May 20, 2019. A link to the recording will be posted when available.

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ABC27, April 17, 2019

Doctor charged with indecent assault worked at four local schools

Guy D’Andrea was quoted extensively in this story by ABC27.

“The allegations that are being put forth now is that he had been abusing children as young as 13, if not younger, and all the way up through their 20s”. Read more about Dr. Vollmar here.

Source: https://www.abc27.com/news/local/lancaster/doctor-charged-with-indecent-assault-worked-at-four-local-schools/1933945404

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Philadelphia Inquirer, September 27, 2018

Judge Kavanaugh, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify before Congress on sexual assault allegations

http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/kavanaugh-ford-supreme-court-hearing-analysis-credibility-opinion-20180927.html

Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorney Stewart Ryan was asked to participate in an expert panel on the Congressional hearings of Brett Kavanaugh, providing his comments on the sexual assault allegations against the Supreme Court nominee.

To learn more about the panel, click here.

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FOX News, December 2, 2017

Penn State still fighting 2 Sandusky abuse claim lawsuits

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/12/01/penn-state-still-fighting-2-sandusky-abuse-claim-lawsuits.html

“‘I believe that our case, that we are going to present to a jury, will definitively show that individuals at the university — in addition to just the administrators — concretely knew there was abuse that Sandusky had committed prior to our client,’ said Brian Kent, lead attorney for a man listed as John Doe in one of the cases.”

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FOX29 News Good Day Philadelphia, November 28, 2017

Good Day Roundtable: Massage Envy sexual assault report

http://www.fox29.com/good-day/296610645-video

Firm founder Brian Kent and his client, Susan Ingram, were interviewed about Ingram’s lawsuit against Massage Envy after a massage therapist was convicted of sexually assaulting Ingram and other women at a West Chester, PA Massage Envy location.

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ABC News Good Morning America, November 27, 2017

Women speak out about sexual assault at Massage Envy spas

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/women-speak-sexual-assault-massage-envy-spas-51403895

After a BuzzFeed report revealed that over 180 women have alleged being sexual assaulted while at a Massage Envy location, Good Morning America ran a news segment featuring Laffey, Bucci & Kent client Susan Ingram. Her lawsuit against Massage Envy is one of many filed around the country. Laffey, Bucci & Kent attorneys are handling several cases, and currently represent 20 women.

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Penn Record, November 13, 2017

Carpenter argues his work site injuries were result of OSHA and regulatory violations

https://pennrecord.com/stories/511266884-carpenter-argues-his-work-site-injuries-were-result-of-osha-and-regulatory-violations

Firm partner Jeff Laffey represents a Philadelphia area carpenter who was injured in a construction site accident in Philadelphia. The case involves a ladder accident, as a result of which, the plaintiff sustained major injuries.

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New Jersey Law Journal, October 26, 2017

Claims That School Failed to Accommodate Abused Student Can Go Forward, Court Says

https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/sites/njlawjournal/2017/10/26/claims-that-school-failed-to-accommodate-abused-student-can-go-forward-court-says/

“One of Carolyn’s attorneys, Samuel Reich, issued a brief statement. ‘We are very pleased with the decision. Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Our client is happy that she will get her day in court,’ said Reich, of Philadelphia’s Laffey, Bucci & Kent.”

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West Virginia Gazette, October 22, 2017

More former students sue over alleged abuse at boarding school

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/cops_and_courts/more-former-students-sue-over-alleged-abuse-at-boarding-school/article_db70c152-c8db-5711-82dc-52e3d26303ab.html

“The lawsuit in January was filed by attorney Guy R. Bucci, V. Paul Bucci II and Brian D. Kent. This month’s suits were filed by Guy Bucci, V. Paul Bucci II and Kent, along with R. Scott Long, Ashley N. Lynch and John K. Cecil.”

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Jeff Laffey on WWDB-AM Talk 860 Radio, May 23, 2017

Firm founder Jeff Laffey was interviewed about the firm’s extensive work injury and accident practice. Jeff concentrates his practice on complex construction accidents, factory accidents and industrial accidents. He regularly gives work safety talks to union members in the greater Philadelphia area.

Audio Player

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Delaware Online, March 4, 2017

Parents of day care kids may never know extent of abuse

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2017/03/04/parents-day-care-students-may-never-know-extent-abuse/98691834/

“Guy D’Andrea, a lawyer at Laffey, Bucci & Kent LLP, questioned whether Kitson’s actions have been enough. He is trying to talk to the victims’ parents and the parents of those who weren’t notified by the day care to determine if a civil lawsuit is warranted.

‘The abuser is to blame, but oftentimes they are allowed or emboldened because those who employed them don’t do anything about the abuse,’ he explained.”

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Philadelphia Inquirer, February 17, 2017

Jersey Christian preschool teacher’s aide suspended over allegations of sex abuse

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/real-time/S-Jersey-Christian-preschool-St-Pauls-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-Rejoyce-Hainesport-teacher-aide-suspended-allegations-sex-abuse.html

“Kent, of the Center City Philadelphia law firm Laffey, Bucci & Kent, filed an amended complaint earlier this month on behalf of the parents of the four children against St. Paul’s and its parent or support organizations.”

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FOX29, February 16, 2017

FOX 29 Investigates: NJ church school abuse claims

http://www.fox29.com/news/local-news/fox-29-investigates/fox-29-investigates-nj-church-school-abuse-claims

“Attorney Brian Kent represents four children ages 5 and 6 who have told their parents of ‘inappropriate touching.’

‘It’s a parent’s worst nightmare come true, and I think it’s just fueled even more so by the fact that they learned that these allegations existed back in 2014,’ Kent said.”

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Washington Post, February 7, 2017

A Christian school said it helped troubled kids. It covered up sex abuse instead, lawsuit says.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/02/07/a-christian-school-said-it-helped-troubled-kids-it-covered-up-sex-abuse-instead-lawsuit-says

“In many ways, the children were the perfect victims, said Brian Kent, an attorney for the two former students who has spoken to other victims.”

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Lancaster Online, January 25, 2017

Family of Karlie Hall files suit against Millersville University, others; calls death preventable

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/family-of-karlie-hall-files-suit-against-millersville-university-others/article_5e0d6b92-e339-11e6-a121-03b6dba03690.html

“Hall’s parents, John and Jeannette Hall, filed the suit as administrators of her estate and as heirs-at-law and are represented by Laffey, Bucci and Kent LLP of Philadelphia.

‘I think part of the motivation for Karlie’s parents to bring this suit is to bring the issues of domestic violence and dating violence to the forefront,’ the Halls’ attorney Brian Kent said Wednesday afternoon.”

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West Virginia Record, November 6, 2016

Sixteen file class action against Ford for sudden acceleration incidents

https://wvrecord.com/stories/511042584-sixteen-file-class-action-against-ford-for-sudden-acceleration-incidents

Firm partner Paul Bucci is representing one of the plaintiffs in a class action against Ford which alleges unintended/sudden acceleration.

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Philadelphia Inquirer, February 11, 2016

Ex-swimmer sues Germantown Academy over alleged abuse

http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20160211_Ex-swimmer_sues_Germantown_Academy_for_alleged_abuse.html

“‘We wanted the truth out there in regard to what occurred,’ said Brian Kent, attorney for the accuser. He said Shoulberg has said publicly that he did nothing wrong and that the school had done nothing to dispute his statement.

Germantown Academy acknowledged in an email that multiple incidents of physical abuse of swimmers had occurred, said Kent.”

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FOX29 News (Philadelphia)

Laffey, Bucci & Kent crime victims rights lawyer, Brian Kent, gives interview about the firm’s representation of a sex abuse victim against the abuser, a Delaware state court judge.  Due to LBK’s representation and efforts, the case settled with the judge’s admission of guilt, resignation from the bench and eventual disbarment.

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/071009_Local_Judge_Accused_Of_Child_Sex_Abuse (article no longer available)

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Philadelphia Inquirer, November 2014

LBK partner Brian Kent was interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer about the Jerry Sandusky Penn State scandal. Mr. Kent, a noted PA and NJ sexual abuse crime victims lawyer, discussed filing sex assault and sex abuse victims’ lawsuits in federal court.

http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-24/news/30437939_1_sovereign-immunity-statute-of-limitations-one-sexual-abuse-victims/2 (article no longer available)

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Delaware OnLine Press Conference – LBK Settles Sexual Abuse Case Against Judge Bradley in Delaware

Philadelphia sex abuse crime victim’s rights attorneys Brian Kent and Jeff Laffey were featured on Delaware OnLine discussing their success in this landmark case.  In the settlement, they obtained the abuser’s acknowledgment and admission of guilt for the victims and their families.  This case serves as a model for victims of child sexual abuse who persevere in their search for justice.

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TruTV Interview, December 2011

Highly regarded crime victim’s civil lawyer and LBK partner, Brian Kent, was a guest speaker on TruTv‘s show, In Session, on December 13 and 14, 2011.   Mr. Kent was interviewed by In Session host, Christi Paul, about the Jerry Sandusky Penn State scandal and Defendant Sandusky’s decision to waive his Preliminary Arraignment.

*Due to broadcasting policies at Turner Broadcasting, no portion or image of the interview is permitted to be shown.  

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Brian Kent interviewed by the American Association for Justice re: changes to OSHA’s work accident/injury reporting system.

*The article is no longer available online (http://www.justice.org/cps/rde/justice/hs.xsl/22391.htm)