CLEARWATER — A Pinellas County parent is suing spectrum camp operators, alleging abuse of the bill of rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
L.L., as parent and natural guardian of J.L., a minor, filed a complaint Oct. 26 in Pinellas Circuit Court against Pinellas Autism Project (PAP) Inc., Excellerated Teaching Center Inc., et al, alleging failure to render care and protective and support services to the campers.
According to the complaint, from May 29-July 27, 2018, J.L., a minor child with developmental disabilities was enrolled as a camper at the PAP summer spectrum camp. In June, the suit says, another camper forced J.L. to pull down his pants and subjected him to physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse on several occasions while camp teachers were still in the room.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to properly supervise the campers, failed to see that sufficient precautions were taken to keep J.L. from harm and failed to report child sexual abuse to the appropriate state agencies.
L.L. seeks trial by jury, damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest, court costs and attorney fees. The plaintiff is represented by attorneys David A. Paul, Andrew F. Knoff and Shane A. Newlands of Paul Knoff Bigger in St. Petersburg.
Pinellas Circuit Court case number 18C7040