Volusia church and school face lawsuits for failing to prevent sexual abuse by employee with prior investigation history

Two lawsuits have been filed alleging that a Volusia County church and school failed to prevent the sexual abuse of young boys by an employee who had previously been investigated by police for similar crimes. The cases, filed in Orange and Volusia County Circuit Courts, name Matthew Clark Graziotti as the perpetrator, who is accused of sexually abusing multiple children under the age of 12 and creating child pornography.

Richard Tripp and Camron Armstrong, both survivors of abuse by Graziotti, are suing the institutions they claim were responsible for their protection. Tripp alleges he was abused while attending Edgewater Alliance Church, where Graziotti served as a youth pastor from 2005 to 2014. Armstrong claims he was abused by Graziotti, who was also a teacher at Warner Christian Academy in South Daytona. Both survivors are seeking substantial damages, with Tripp seeking at least $25 million and Armstrong at least $15 million, citing negligence on the part of the institutions.

Tripp spoke publicly about the long-term impact of his trauma, including depression, substance abuse, and an attempted suicide. He described his decision to come forward as a necessary step toward healing, urging others to seek help and begin their recovery process. His comments reflect the profound emotional toll of such abuse and the courage required to pursue justice.

The lawsuits assert that Graziotti had a history of misconduct that should have raised red flags for the institutions that later hired him. In 2004, the Edgewater Police Department investigated Graziotti for suspected sexual abuse of young boys. Although he was not criminally charged, the investigation led to his termination from his position as a youth minister at Friendship Community Church. This history, along with other behaviors, is said to have indicated a potential risk to children.

The attorneys representing the survivors, including Jenny Rossman of the Herman Law firm, argue that the institutions should have known about Graziotti’s past and taken appropriate measures to safeguard children. They emphasize that the failure to act may have contributed to the abuse of multiple young boys, highlighting the importance of accountability and preventive measures in religious and educational settings.

The cases underscore the need for thorough background checks and vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. They also raise questions about the responsibilities of organizations in ensuring the safety of those under their care. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the institutions’ duty to protect and the consequences of their alleged negligence.

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