The jury in the court of Clayton County (state of Georgia) ruled that the security company will have to pay compensation in the amount of $1 billion to the victim of rapethat was committed by their hired security guard. The girl at the time was 14 years.
Hope Cheston (now twenty) was raped by a security guard of a residential complex in October 2012.
Her lawyer Chris Stewart called the verdict «one of the biggest victories for women in the United States.» According to him, it is a record compensationwhich was awarded to victims of sexual violence in America.
«That’s how it should be. Clayton County jurors, 12 people — white, African Americans, Hispanics, women, men — a claim that many have to a victim of sexual violence. And I think it’s a great decision.»
However, according to the lawyer, the final decision for the judge, and the plaintiff is unlikely to get such a huge amount. The judge is likely to significantly reduce it, as the security company just can’t afford it. But, as noted by Chris Stewart, this is a significant precedent.
In 2012, hope Cheston went to visit a friend. There she was attacked and raped Brandon Lamar Zachary — guard, hired by the company Crime Prevention Agency, Inc. He was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
As noted in court documents that the security company had ignored several complaints about Brandon Zachary that preceded the rape of hope.
«For a long time I thought that my story was useless. But it turned out that 12 strangers felt that I went through, and made this decision. This is incredible. I hope this will be a «message» to other victims of violence,» — said after the announcement of the verdict of the jury hope Cheston.
«This decision proves that women’s voices will be heard,» — said the lawyer of the victim.
Want to know what a victim of rape is worth? 1 billion.Record 12 person jury verdict. Juries are saying no to sexual assault and holding companies accountable! My client wants to be a spokesperson against rape. Will we recover all that? No but it’s what it stands for that matters pic.twitter.com/ib9wFWiFOR
— Chris L. Stewart Esq (@chrisstewartesq) May 22, 2018
