Stockton, MO - Nine More Lawsuits Alleging Gruesome Abuse At Agapé Boarding School for Boys

Nine More Students File Against Boarding School

WIBW 13 has reported that more former students have come forward with allegations of abuse at the Agapè Boarding School located at 12998 E 1400 Rd, Stockton, MO 65785.

On Friday, April 8, 2022, nine more lawsuits were filed by former students from the private religious boarding school, bringing the total to 14 lawsuits. These new cases included abuse from staff members and other students. The allegations include physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse that occurred during their time living at the residential private school for troubled boys. 

One of the nine victims, reported to KY 3, "that dead animals get treated better" than the students at the private religious school. He relayed that at times, he wished he were dead. The victim, along with many others, was too scared to speak up about the abuse. He shared that he was very concerned that the school was still in operation despite the ongoing history of abuse. 

The Agape Boarding School is overseen by the Agape Baptist Church and is being accused of violating the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act for both concealing and misleading parents and officials. As many as five staff members have been charged with assaulting students at this time. 

Read about previous lawsuits and staff members charged:

https://legalherald.com/stockton-mo-david-smock-an-agape-boarding-school-doctor-the-fifth-agape-staff-member-to-be-arrested-for-sexually-abusing-children/

https://legalherald.com/stockton-mo-fbi-investigating-allegations-of-abuse-at-agape-boarding-school/

https://legalherald.com/stockton-mo-another-lawsuit-filed-alleging-abuse-at-agape-boarding-school/

https://legalherald.com/stockton-mo-agape-boarding-school-lawsuit-claiming-ongoing-abuse-of-students/

Filing Lawsuits For Boarding School Abuse

Attorney Ryan Frazier of Monsees & Mayer P.C. represents several former students filing lawsuits against the private boarding school. Ryan has provided some details about the cases and legal options available to victims of boarding school abuse.

" School officials and teachers are legally and morally committed to ensuring the safety of the children within their care. When this duty of care is neglected, the children are put at risk. For too long, these students experienced emotional, mental, physical, and sexual abuse. Both at the hand of the school staff and other students. When a blind eye is turned to ongoing abuse, the school and its officials can be held liable."

"Furthermore, if the school is permitted to continue operations despite numerous reports of sexual, physical, and mental abuse, those officials can be held liable for failing to prevent further abuse. It is up to the school officials to ensure that each incident is properly investigated and reported to law enforcement. As more lawsuits are filed, other students will gain the courage to step forward. No amount of money could undo the past, but it may prevent further children from being abused."

Boarding school abuse can often affect many, as we have seen with this case. Please reach out if you or someone you know was a victim of abuse at the Agape Boarding School. Our legal team can help you understand your legal rights and options in seeking the justice you deserve.

Sources:

WIBW 13

KY 3