Complaint alleges church and school knew of employee's criminal history, gave him access to children, and dismissed a report of abuse
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.— The Law Offices of Kenneth Berger has filed suit today on behalf of a family whose minor child was sexually abused by a registered sex offender who worked at Pawleys Island Community Church and Pawleys Island Christian Academy in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. The suit is separate from a class action filed earlier this month by other families and reflects a distinct set of facts and damages specific to this client.
The complaint filed today alleges that church and school leadership knew of the individual's criminal history and continued to give him access to children on campus, including in classrooms during school hours. It also alleges that when the family reported the abuse to school leadership in 2022, their report was dismissed. State records show the school was cited for background check noncompliance by the South Carolina Department of Social Services on multiple occasions between 2024 and 2026.
“Institutions aren’t allowed to illegally harbor sex offenders and get away with it,” said Kenneth Berger, the victim's attorney. “This family trusted the school to care for their child. That trust was betrayed and their child was sexually abused.”
Out of respect for the family's privacy, the firm will not release further identifying details about the client or involve the family in media interviews. Kenneth Berger is available to speak with media about the filing.
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About the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger
Based in South Carolina, the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger represents individuals and families in life-changing injury and wrongful-death cases statewide, including rideshare incidents, trucking collisions, traumatic brain injuries, injuries to children, and dram shop liability. We focus on clear communication, thorough investigation, and holding corporations accountable when safety breaks down.
Media Contact:
Chelsea Fullerton
Law Offices of Kenneth Berger
Office: (803) 790-2800
cfullerton@bergerlawsc.com
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