Lawsuit: New York and Westchester County

“A new child sex abuse lawsuit names departments in Westchester County and New York state governments as defendants in a case involving a foster child.

The lawsuit accuses the Westchester County Department of Social Services and the New York State Office of Children & Family Services of covering up or allowing the sexual abuse of a young girl in foster care during the late 1990s.

This marks the first case against Westchester County under the Child Victims Act, a new law that allows survivors of sexual abuse to file civil suits regardless of the statute of limitations.

The suit was filed in Westchester on Sept 19.

Melanie Gabari, 43, of Orange County, claims that members of her foster family sexually abused her between 1987 and 1990.

Gabari lived with George and Carol Munson and their son, Jeffery, in Peekskill.

In 1987, Carol Munson touched the then-11-year-old Gabari repeatedly on her intimate parts for the purpose of degrading her, according to the lawsuit.

Years later, Carol’s son, Jeffery, is accused of sexually abusing her as well.

Gabari ran away from the foster home after being sexually abused by Jeffrey in late 1990, according to claims in the lawsuit.

No abuse allegations were made against George Munson, however, the lawsuit claimed he was aware of the abuse.

“George Munson and Carol Munson’s actions were willful, wanton, malicious, reckless, negligent, grossly negligent and/or outrageous in their disregard for the rights and safety of Plaintiff,” Samantha Breakstone of New York-based Weitz & Luxenberg wrote in the lawsuit.

Westchester County declined to comment on the suit.

“I cannot comment on pending litigation,” said Catherine Cioffi, Westchester County Communications Director.

The Office of Children & Family Services did not return requests for comment.”
Westchester County and New York state sued in new child sex abuse claim

[LoHud 9/24/19 by Frank Esposito]

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