Two lawsuits have been filed against former directors of the Old Town Boys and Girls Club that allege that they sexually abused multiple children over 30 years ago.
Attorneys have filed lawsuits against Eddie Valtierra and Dominic Yannoni, KOB 4 reported. Documents filed recently include allegations of sexual abuse and grooming. The directors' background checks did not show any prior criminal history related to the case.
Attorney Levi Monagle is representing six victims in five lawsuits and said that the incidents occurred between the 1970s and mid-1990s, KOB 4 reported.
"Each of these perpetrators have different patterns of grooming, and abusing the kids in their charge," Monagle told KOB 4.
Legal documents show that there was a group in the Old Town Boys and Girls Club called the "Roadrunners Club" that Valtierra allegedly used to lure children with single mothers by offering trips and special treatment that led to abuse, KOB 4 reported.
"These methods were fairly sophisticated," Monagle said. "I mean, the whole process of targeting particularly vulnerable kids, making them feel special, making them feel like there was a secret that existed between — with one of these perpetrators and the victim, and then isolating them further, once actual abuse had occurred, making them feel that something that had happened was their fault."
Yannoni succeeded Valtierra as director, and during his tenure, he allegedly created a culture of sexual talk and games in an effort to normalize sexual interactions, Monagle said.
The Boys and Girls Club of New Mexico, which was included in the lawsuit, told KOB 4 that they knew about the claims against them, saying they were "appalled" to learn of the alleged incidents.
"We fully recognize that although these alleged incidents occurred many years ago, time does not erase any pain experienced by survivors and their families," the club told KOB 4. "We continue to encourage any individual who may have been affected by the accused to come forward."
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Monagle at 505-255-6300 or 505-803-1274, or through email at levi@hallmonagle.com, KOB 4 reported. They may also contact Jason T. Wallace at 505-255-6300 or 520-730-6109, or through email at jason@hallmonagle.com.