Judge refuses settlement in child rape case

Judge Thomas A. Swift of Trumbull County Probate Court has refused to approve a $150,000 settlement for a child who was raped by her biological parents at the Trumbull County Children Services offices.

Judge Swift today approved the recommendation of Atty. Martin F. White of Warren, who Judge Swift appointed as a guardian ad litem in January to review the proposed settlement.

White said the settlement was not sufficient in light of a judgment entry filed in the case by federal Judge Benita Y. Pearson just after Children Services and the child’s attorneys reached their settlement.

In the entry, Judge Pearson indicated that Children Services was not entitled to immunity from damages.

The parties will go back to federal court to continue the case with the possibility of a different settlement a trial.