A national two-time baton-twirling champion secured a $4.2 million jury verdict in Brooklyn after suing the US Twirling Association for negligence. She claimed she had been drugged and sexually assaulted during a 2019 goodwill trip to Peru by a local individual.
The victim, known as Jane Doe, testified in Brooklyn Federal Court against the USTA’s chaperone Koralea Slagle and president Karen Cammer. The incident took place during a trip where the twirlers were supposed to visit foster homes and grade schools but were left with their host, Jacobo, from the local Lions Club.
During the trial, Doe, who was 17 at the time and from Ohio, alleged that Slagle ignored the teens being kept out late at night without water but offered alcohol. Doe also mentioned feeling uncomfortable with Jacobo’s behavior towards her.
Following an incident where she was given a spiked drink, Jacobo assaulted her in her locked room. A criminal investigation in Peru was initiated, but its current status is unknown.
The jury found Slagle and the USTA negligent, awarding $3 million for past damages and $1.2 million for future pain and suffering, with Slagle personally responsible for $504,000.
The victim, now 22, stated, “If I stayed silent, the USTA would have never taken accountability for their actions. I have reclaimed my voice by sharing the truth but continue to work towards healing.”
Her lawyer, Andy Goldwasser, commented, “After four and a half years, our client finally received the vindication and rightful outcome she deserved. Maybe now, the USTA will stop prioritizing power over safety.”
The USTA expressed disappointment with the verdict but stated their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all athletes.
