The Hanover School Division (HSD) is facing a lawsuit from a former student who alleges the division did not protect them from sexual abuse.
A Statement of Claim sent to SteinbachOnline says the student was eight years old when they started being sexually abused by Dennis Hutt, between 2000 and 2002.
Hutt was an employee of the division, apparently tasked with maintenance and janitorial-like duties.
Court records show Hutt has several prior convictions dating from 1996 to 2004 including 10 counts of child pornography, eight counts of an invitation to sexual touch, and three counts indecent exposure to someone under 14-years-old.
He pleaded, and was found, guilty of these charges and was given jail time. A DNA sample was also ordered, and he was added to the National Sex Offender Registry. He was also given a 20 year restriction on where he could go, and who he could contact.
The document alleges the student now faces a list of physical, emotional, and mental health issues, and that their ability to have a normal childhood and adulthood, earn an income, and more have been impacted.
It is argued the HSD was "vicariously liable" for Hutt's actions, and breached its duty to act in the best interest of the student due to the trust it held, and to care for the student.
Additionally, the Statement of Claim says the division had the opportunity, means, and power to "inspect and/or investigate when they knew, or ought to have known that the sexual abuse was happening." It adds the HSD had the duty to oversee activities at the student's school "in a way that could have prevented the sexual assault from happening."
The document also alleges the rules, principles, and policies of the HSD created a risk of sexual abuse, which Hutt took advantage of "under the guise of conducting the activities of an employee."
According to the Statement of Claim, the former student is seeking various damages, as well as the costs of past and future health care they claim to need as a result of the abuse.
In response to a request for comment, the HSD says, "as this matter is before the Courts, it would not be appropriate to publicly comment at this time."