Gucci Heiress Secures $115 Million Verdict Against Step-Father for Childhood Sexual Abuse, Plans to Channel Funds into Children’s Foundations

A jury in Los Angeles awarded $115 million to Alexandra Zarini, the heiress of the Gucci fashion dynasty, in a civil case against her former stepfather, Joseph Ruffalo. The decision came after a trial where Zarini accused Ruffalo of persistent sexual abuse beginning in her early childhood. The jury determined that Ruffalo, who produced films in the 1980s including “Purple Rain,” was liable for sexual battery and causing intentional emotional distress. Despite the substantial verdict, Ruffalo’s defense claimed he was unable to pay the awarded damages. During the proceedings, Zarini’s attorney, Gary A. Dordick, pressed … Read more

"Justice Served: Jury Awards $13.6 Million to Survivors of Teacher’s 1980s Abuse in Landmark Case"

Torrance, California — A jury has awarded $13.6 million to five women who were sexually assaulted by their former high school teacher in the 1980s. The verdict was reached on Monday after a four-week trial, during which jurors found that the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District failed to protect students from the abuse. The jury determined that school administrators were negligent in oversight of Garry Poe, a longtime English teacher and baseball coach at Rolling Hills High School. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Poe groomed students so he could exploit them during … Read more

Michigan Judge Faces Disciplinary Action Over Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Harassment, and Conflicts of Interest

A Michigan judge is under scrutiny following a disciplinary complaint alleging a pattern of misconduct, including excessive alcohol use, sexual harassment of female employees, and conflicts of interest in cases involving himself and his family. Fourth Circuit Judge Thomas D. Wilson, who has served in Jackson County since 2007, is facing an eight-count complaint filed by the state Judicial Tenure Commission. The commission’s findings indicate that Wilson developed a drinking problem as early as 2013, reportedly ceasing his alcohol use around 2021. Instances of his alleged intoxication include arriving at the courthouse after drinking at … Read more

Tragic Death of Gunner Jaysley Beck Highlights Systemic Failures in Military Abuse Reporting

Larkhill Camp, United Kingdom — The tragic death of Gunner Jaysley Beck, a Royal Artillery soldier, has prompted calls for significant changes within the military’s culture and response protocols following allegations of sexual harassment and abuse she endured prior to her death in 2021. A lawyer representing Beck’s family revealed that the 19-year-old faced “intolerable pressure” from her superiors and had little faith in the effectiveness of her complaints. At a recent inquest into Beck’s death, solicitor Emma Norton stated that Beck had filed a complaint against former Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber after he … Read more