PHILADELPHIA – An Ohio man is suing a Wayne military academy over allegations he was subjected to abuse while a student there.
John Doe filed a complaint on April 17 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against Valley Forge Military Academy and College alleging negligence and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff enrolled at the defendant's school in August 2016 as a teen. He alleges he was immediately subjected to abuse, both physical and mental.
The plaintiff alleges he was assaulted on Oct. 1, 2016, by a juvenile perpetrator while the teacher was in the room. The plaintiff also alleges he was repeatedly assaulted by the students at the defendant's institution and other cadets stole and hid his belongings.
The plaintiff alleges the defendant's staff "failed to stop, or take any action to prevent, the abuse John Doe was enduring despite being reported to VFMAC administration and employees." The suit states the plaintiff left the defendant's school in March 2017.
The plaintiff is seeking judgment of more than $50,000, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Brian D. Kent and Gaetano D'Andrea of Laffey, Bucci & Kent LLP.
The defendant removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on April 19.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania case number 2:19-CV-01693