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	Mansfield Man, 75, Sued for Sex Abuse By Mark Caudill News Journal July 9, 2009 http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20090709/NEWS01/90709018 MANSFIELD — The mothers of two children they say were sexually abused by a 75-year-old man have filed civil lawsuits against five defendants. David Harvey of 2061 Ranchwood Drive is named in the suit, along with the Rev. Sonny Thayer, 2878 Millsboro Road; Dianna Kochheiser, 1109 W. Hanley Road; and Russ Harvey of Galion. Grace Brethren Church, 531 Marion Ave., also is named. In an attempt to protect the identities of the alleged victims, a boy and a girl, both under age 10, the News Journal is not identifying the people who filed the suit. According to paperwork filed in the case, David Harvey abused the girl for 18 months. His alleged abuse of the boy went on for 3 1/2 years. The defendants were served with notice of the suit on June 24. They have 28 days to respond. Harvey has not been charged criminally and authorities declined to say whether a criminal investigation is under way. A woman who answered Harvey’s home phone Wednesday referred questions to Mansfield attorney John Allen. Allen said he is the family attorney but would not be involved in the civil case. He declined comment about David Harvey. The suits alleges negligence on the part of Grace Brethren Church and Thayer, claiming Harvey sought counseling from Thayer regarding sexual behavior with children and Thayer failed to act. “He has to take action,” said plaintiffs’ attorney Byron Corley. Messages left for Thayer and the Church were not returned. The suit alleges third-party negligence on the parts of Kochheiser and Russ Harvey, adult children of David Harvey. It claims they knew of or had reason to know of past sexual abuse acts by their father but did not report them. Allen called the allegations “baseless.” Kochheiser could not be reached, and calls to Russ Harvey’s residence went unanswered. The plaintiffs seek at least $25,000 in punitive damages. Contacts: mcaudill@nncogannett.com or 419-521-7219
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