$30 Million Verdict Exposes Decades-Old Boy Scout Sexual Abuse by Fake Doctor

Judge Awards $30M in Civil Case Against Fake Doctor and Sexual Abuser

In a landmark decision, a Sullivan County judge awarded $30 million in damages to Jeff Pringle, a New Jersey man who was sexually assaulted as a teenager at a Boy Scout camp in Forestburgh, NY. The perpetrator, Paul Archer Caillaud, is a Florida-based attorney who fraudulently posed as a licensed medical doctor at the Hudson Valley Boy Scout camp during the summer of 1985.

Testimony during the civil trial revealed that camp leadership had been warned that Caillaud lacked medical credentials, yet he was still allowed to interact with children in a medical setting. When 16-year-old Pringle sought treatment for an ear infection, Caillaud allegedly injected him with an unknown substance and administered pills that rendered him unconscious. Over the course of two nights, Caillaud reportedly drugged, assaulted, and electroshocked the teen.

Decades of Trauma Finally Acknowledged in Court

Now 56, Pringle endured decades of psychological trauma before finally receiving a measure of justice. Court documents describe him as suffering from severe depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and anxiety—all stemming from the abuse. Caillaud’s abuse was described as “cruel, calculated, and deeply harmful,” and the judge found his testimony not credible, calling it “self-serving.”

Despite a 1986 conviction for unauthorized medical practice, Caillaud’s law license in Florida remains active. He was never criminally charged for the sexual assaults and represented himself at trial. The verdict included $7.5 million for past pain and suffering, $2.5 million for future pain and suffering, and a staggering $20 million in punitive damages.

Patterns of Neglect and Complicity Revealed at Camp

Key testimony came from a retired nurse who worked at the camp in 1985. She testified that she warned the camp director that Caillaud seemed too young to be both a licensed attorney and medical doctor. Her suspicions were dismissed, even after she discovered a briefcase in Caillaud’s quarters containing needles, prophylactics, and other disturbing items.

Other evidence presented included a fake name tag reading “Dr. Paul A. Caillaud, MD,” medical scrubs, a stethoscope, and pornography addressed to an alias. At least one other camp counselor came forward to report similar abuse that same summer, but authorities at the time took no legal action against Caillaud for sexual misconduct.

A Victory for Survivors Under the New York Child Victims Act

This civil lawsuit was made possible through the New York Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims. Pringle also has a separate case pending against the Boy Scouts of America, currently tied up in bankruptcy court.

“This verdict is a major victory for Mr. Pringle and for survivors across New York,” said Benjamin Watson, an attorney with Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala. “It also sends a clear message to any individual or institution that believes they can get away with the sexual abuse of children: the law will hold you accountable.”

Seeking Justice with the Help of Survivors of Abuse NY

If you or someone you know was sexually abused by a scout leader, camp staff member, or any authority figure, you are not alone—and it’s not too late to take legal action. Survivors of Abuse NY, led by experienced attorney Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY, offers compassionate and strategic representation to victims of sexual abuse across New York.

We understand the pain and complexity of coming forward. Our team is here to help you reclaim your voice, protect others, and pursue justice.

Contact us today for a confidential and free consultation. Call (646) 413-6394.

Source:

https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/30m-verdict-attorney-posed-doctor-abuse-boy-20772710.php