Douglas Perlitz founded a school in Haiti with support and funding of Fairfield University in Connecticut, the Order of Malta, the Society of Jesus in New England, and Haiti Fund, Inc. During the years he ran that school, he groomed and abused the children. The organizations greed to a joint settlement of $60 million for the potential 170 survivors of Perlitz’ many years of abuse.
In 2009, he was indicted for 10 counts for abusing nine boys over ten years. Seven counts were for traveling to another country to molest minors and three are for molesting minors in another country. He enticed the boys with promises of food and shelter and token gifts. If they refused his sexual demands, he threatened them with removal from the school, the loss of shelter and sustenance.
The lawsuit alleges up to 170 victims were harmed and will share in the settlement. Perlitz pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced to twenty years in prison.
- CNN: Man who set up home for kids in Haiti charged with sexual abuse
- AP: Jesuit school, others settle Haiti sex abuse case for $60M
- Westword: Douglas Perlitz: Guilty plea by founder of Haiti boys school whose students he sexually abused
- Simmons, Hanly, Conroy: Up To 170 Victims of Convicted Pedophile Douglas Perlitz Eligible To Share In $60 Million Class-Action Settlement
Hartford Courant
Hartford, Connecticut · Thursday, October 29, 2009
Hartford Courant
Hartford, Connecticut · Wednesday, December 22, 2010