Crime & Safety

Oakland Co., Former West Bloomfield Family Settle Sex Abuse Suit

The settlement awards the Wendrows $2 million after 7 years of litigation brought on by false claims of sexual abuse.

Oakland County and a former West Bloomfield family have finally settled a lawsuit that the family filed after the parents were wrongfully accused of sexually abusing their autistic daughter seven years ago, according to a Detroit Free Press report.

The suit, which was filed against the county and former Prosecutor David Gorcyca, was settled for $2 million Tuesday, the report stated.

READ: Judge Says Couple Accused of Rape 7 Years Ago Can Sue School, County

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In November, Thal and Julian Wendrow were awarded $3 million by a federal jury, and the county had planned to appeal, the report stated. Both sides, however, were able to reach a settlement last week, the report added.

Previously, the Wendrows had earned $3.75 million from settlements with the West Bloomfield Police Department, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and the State of Michigan, the report stated. Oakland County had spent $891,897 fighting the lawsuit, the report added.

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