The plaintiff, W.C., brought a motion for summary judgment against the defendant, R.S., for sexual assault and battery.
The claim stemmed from a sexual relationship that began when the plaintiff was approximately 14 years old and the defendant, her father's cousin, was significantly older and in a position of trust.
The defendant had previously pleaded guilty to a criminal charge related to the relationship.
The court found that the defendant's admitted facts in the criminal proceedings, combined with his evidence on the motion, established liability for sexual battery.
The court determined that any "consent" at the outset was not legally effective due to the plaintiff's age, inexperience, and the defendant's exploitation of a position of trust.
The court rejected the defendant's argument that lack of resistance implied consent.
The motion for summary judgment on liability was granted.
The court also assessed damages, awarding $225,000 in general damages and $50,000 in aggravated damages, plus $14,400 for future therapy, totaling $289,400.
Punitive damages were not awarded given the prior criminal sentence.