An Oklahoma teen won a big judgment against the former teacher who raped him. Jennifer Caswell, currently serving a 10-year sentence, must pay $1 million, according to a court filing obtained by LawNewz.com.
U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron ruled Thursday in an Oklahoma City federal court that the boy suffered emotional distress and psychological damage as a result of a “sexual relationship” with the teacher.
The teen “reports feelings of depression, isolation, and self-blame for the events that transpired. He experienced humiliation when members of his community publicly chastised him and when strangers recognized him and questioned him about the scandal,” wrote Cauthron.
She said that Caswell abused authority. The boy is undergoing counseling, and according to professionals, he will have trouble accepting female companionship and trusting female authority figures, wrote Cauthron. Doctors have prescribed him sleep medications so he has trouble sleeping, but has “few friends, is socially withdrawn, and shows anxiety about going into public.”
He had to move to another town because of the rape case’s notoriety.
The Oklahoman first reported Thursday’s decision.
Caswell pleaded guilty in 2015 to three counts of second-degree rape, two counts of enticing a child, and one count of forcible sodomy. The incidents happened when the boy was 14 and 15.
She appeared on Dr. Phil shortly before her sentencing. [Video Above]
“I don’t like people having the image of me that they do because that’s not me.” Caswell said. “I’m a very shy person. I keep to myself. But I made stupid decision.”
The boy’s father had sued the school district, alleging they covered up Caswell’s action. They settled this lawsuit in July for $125,000.
[Screengrab via CBS]
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