A recent lawsuit has brought to light disturbing allegations against the founder of Special Olympics Maine, Melvin 'Mickey' Boutilier. The plaintiff, Mark Frank, claims that Boutilier groomed him for sexual abuse starting at the age of 9, with the abuse spanning over two decades. Frank alleges that Boutilier used his position within the organization to manipulate and exploit him, even threatening him to keep silent about the abuse.
The lawsuit further asserts that Special Olympics Maine and Special Olympics International were aware of Boutilier's history of abuse but failed to intervene. Both organizations have expressed shock and sadness at the allegations and have pledged to investigate the claims thoroughly.
Mark Frank, now 65, was able to file the lawsuit due to a change in Maine's statute of limitations on civil lawsuits for childhood sexual abuse. The lawsuit details how Frank met Boutilier in 1967 when Boutilier coached a basketball team in Gorham, Maine. The abuse allegedly began when Frank was just 11 years old and continued even after Special Olympics Maine was formally established in 1973.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the emotional and psychological harm Frank endured as a result of the abuse. Frank's attorney, Michael Bigos, emphasized the importance of holding organizations accountable for failing to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual predators.
While Boutilier passed away in 2012, the lawsuit serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the need for organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals under their care.
