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On behalf of three former Gaston County students, the acclaimed attorney team at Lanier Law Group, P.A. has filed a civil action against the school board and former wrestling coach Gary “Scott” Goins who sexually abused them, as reported by Fox 46.
This is the second time that the three former students have sought justice concerning their shared trauma. In 2014, Goins was found guilty in a criminal court for sexually abusing our clients from 1998 to 2004 while he held both a coaching and teaching position at East Gaston High School. During this time, the students were between 10 and 19 years old.
Ultimately, the month-long criminal trial resulted in the former coach being convicted for 17 sexual offenses — including statutory rape, sex act with a student by a teacher, indecent liberties with a child, and crimes against nature, according to Gaston Gazette — and punished with 34 years in prison. However, the survivors still face persistent distress over what occurred, and it continues to negatively affect their everyday lives.
“[The plaintiffs] are left with all sorts of mental and emotional issues including post-traumatic stress disorder and they struggle with depression and anxiety,” Attorney Lisa Lanier, firm president and CEO, told Fox 46.
Unfortunately, the only recourse that the court can offer is monetary compensation, according to Attorney Lanier, but there is the chance of our clients obtaining some closure regarding the trauma. Our firm will continue to fight for these three men who have been horrifically wronged, as no one should have to experience such abuse, especially at such a young age.
“These victims we can’t un-ring the bell and can’t make them whole,” Attorney Lanier explained to Fox 46. “Civil suits come down to monetary damages that can compensate them for loss of innocence and childhood and for all of the mental anguish they have gone through as a result.”
Lanier Law Group, P.A. has a long history of litigating sexual assault claims in North Carolina. We are proud to continue to support and fight for survivors. To get in touch with a Lanier Law Group, P.A. lawyer, or for any inquiries about this case, contact us online or call (855) 757-4204.