US pole vault champion wins $4.2 million after horror trip

US News

From Katherine Boniello

A two-time national baton twirling champion won a $4.2 million verdict in Brooklyn last week after suing the U.S. Twirling Association for negligence, claiming she was drugged and sexually assaulted by a “creepy” local during a goodwill trip to Peru in 2019.

The victim, identified only as Jane Doe, testified during the nearly three-week trial in Brooklyn federal court against Nassau County-based USTA supervisor Koralea Slagle and its president Karen Cammer.

The six teenage dancers were supposed to visit nursing homes and elementary schools and take part in a parade, but instead, the victim said, they were left with their host, a man named Jacobo who headed the local Lions Club.

Doe, then 17 and originally from Ohio, claimed that Slagle looked the other way as the teens were left out of the house until 3 a.m. each night and were offered alcohol but no water to drink.

She had told her mother that Jacobo had behaved “somehow creepy” towards her and added: “There were several cases in which he simply wanted to take me with him, but I refused,” the lawsuit states.

One night, the girl became ill after being given a “special mojito” – hours later, Jacobo used a key to gain access to her locked room and sexually abused the sick and disoriented girl, she said in court documents.

A criminal investigation was later launched in Peru, but the current status is unknown.

The jury found Slagle, a Kansas resident, and the USTA negligent and awarded him $3 million for damages already incurred and $1.2 million for future pain and suffering. Slagle was personally liable for $504,000 of the damages.

“If I had remained silent, the USTA would never have taken responsibility for its actions,” the victim, now 22, told the Post. “I have regained my voice by speaking the truth, but I continue to work on healing. Athletes are not expendable and their dignity and safety should never be sacrificed.”

Doe’s attorney Andy Goldwasser added: “After four and a half years, our client finally received the satisfaction and just verdict she deserved. Perhaps now the USTA will stop putting power above safety.”

“While the USTA is disappointed by the ruling and is considering next steps, we respect the process and acknowledge the outcome. It is a solemn reminder of our commitment to protect and support every athlete in our organization,” the organization said. “The USTA remains firmly committed to providing a safe and supportive sporting environment for all athletes.”