August 29, 2005

Dallas Theological Seminary, molestation victim reach settlement

DALLAS (TX)
Forth Worth Star-Telegram

By Martha Deller
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

On the eve of what could have been an emotional trial, Dallas Theological Seminary reached a out-of-court settlement with a Trophy Club resident who blamed the seminary for his abuse by one of their graduates.

Jury selection was set to begin Monday in Tarrant County's 17th District court in Aaron Babb's lawsuit against the seminary, where a man now imprisoned for molesting Babb graduated in 1992.

But attorneys for Babb and the seminary said Monday the case was settled late Friday, with all terms to remain confidential.

"Our client is pleased with the terms of the settlement," said Babb's attorney, Thomas McElyea. "He was prepared to go to trial, but we believe it is in the best interest of all parties to solve the lawsuit amicably."

Thomas Brandon Jr., who represented the 80-year-old nondenominational seminary, agreed.

"The matter was settled to the satisfaction of all parties involved," Brandon said. "My personal hope is that this will help promote healing for Mr. Babby and for the seminary."

Posted by kshaw at August 29, 2005 06:28 PM