Kidnapping Victim Gets $20 Million
By Law Office of Leonard Matsuk
Mar. 8, 2011 3:26p
Child Held Against Will For 18 years
The details are almost too terrible to imagine. Jaycee Dugard, who was rescued a year ago, was imprisoned for nearly two decades in the backyard of a home in Antioch, east of Oakland, USA Today reports.
The abduction occurred in 1991. Dugard was waiting at a bus stop in South Lake Tahoe when a couple drugged her and put her in their vehicle. Phillip and Nancy Garrido then drove the 11-year old to their home in Antioch and locked her away in their back yard, concealed within a fake fence and tall shrubbery that protected her from discovery. For the next 18 years, she was held captive by the two, who allegedly raped her repeatedly, even filming themselves performing horrific acts upon their victim.
Dugard eventually gave birth to two girls while still a teenager, fathered by Philip and delivered by Nancy. The couple claims to have considered them to be part of the family.
State Settles To Avoid Lawsuit
The affair was brought to an end when Phillip inexplicably chose to bring Dugard and her daughters to accompany him to a meeting with his parole officer. Phillip had already been convicted of a prior rape, and when he was unable to satisfactorily explain Dugard and her children to the officer, they questioned the girl, who eventually admitted her identity.
The California Legislature voted to approve a settlement agreement with Dugard and her lawyers for $20 million. Attorneys for the state admitted that they were liable for a great deal of damages, as a result of law enforcement officials’ failure to properly monitor the activities of Phillip, a convicted felon on parole.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one is facing charges of ‘crimes against person’, which include kidnapping and false imprisonment, it is absolutely essential that you retain the services of a qualified legal advocate. Leonard Matsuk is a
Long Beach criminal defense attorney who has served the community for nearly 30 years. Call now and discuss the details of your case today, free of charge.
Contact a Long Beach kidnapping attorney right away!
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