Rick Curl Jail Sentence Due to Attorney Robert Allard & Victim Kelley Currin's Pursuit of Justice
Attorney Robert Allard
Legendary Hall of Fame swim coach Rick Curl was sentenced today to 7 years in prison by Montgomery County Circuit Judge Marielsa Bernard. The sentencing came after Curl pleaded guilty earlier this year to the childhood molestation of Kelley Davies Currin 30 years ago.
Speaking after the sentencing to reporters, Currin said, “It is now time to hold accountable USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus and Vice President David Berkoff, as well as former USA Swimming National Team and Hall of Fame coach Mark Schubert, for their actions in helping create a culture that protects predator coaches and vilifies young victims who have the courage to come forward.”
During the sentencing, Judge Bernard said she was sending a message by holding Curl accountable for his actions.
“We hope that the Judge’s message is heard loud and clear by USA Swimming,” said attorney Robert Allard. "We will not stop until each one of those persons who knew about this pedophile and cowardly did nothing are held accountable."
In her statement to the media, Currin said, “It is appalling that a number of people in positions of authority had the opportunity to take action against Rick Curl and each one of them failed miserably. Wielgus, Berkoff, and Schubert all had knowledge of Curl’s molestation of me during the 1980’s and selfishly decided to look the other way. While I was battling demons from the childhood abuse, Wielgus, Berkoff, and Schubert contributed to the glorification of Rick Curl by allowing him to coach the USA Swimming Olympic team, supporting his induction into the swimming Hall of Fame, and providing him with center stage status at the 2012 Olympic Trials.”
“Leaders are put in positions of authority to make difficult and tough decisions, especially when it comes to protecting children,” said attorney Robert Allard. “Wielgus, Berkoff, and Coach Schubert flunked the leadership test.”
Allard was retained by Currin on a pro bono basis in July of 2012 following months of stonewalling by USA Swimming after they received a signed agreement by Curl acknowledging his molestation of Currin in the spring of 2011. “It took Mr. Allard putting a gun to the head of USA Swimming for the organization to finally stop the glorification of Curl and start the process of banning him permanently from the sport,” stated Currin.
“On behalf of countless other swimmers with similar stories, I am calling for Wielgus and Berkoff to immediately resign from USA Swimming and allow real leaders with the commitment to protect molestation victims to take over. Further, Schubert and others should be immediately be banned by USA Swimming for refusing to protect not only me as a young swimmer but others who may have subsequently victimized by Rick Curl,” said Currin.
“In sum, I have no confidence whatsoever that USA Swimming will protect swimmers from sex abuse. I urge Congress to get involved since USA Swimming is not capable of addressing this problem. I am living proof that we have a deep rooted problem in the amateur sport of swimming that requires drastic and immediate action,” concluded Currin.
About Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard
Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm located in San Jose, CA. The firm believes in using the law to hold wrongdoers accountable, to fairly compensate the injured and their families, and as a result make our community safer.
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