Accused Teacher Testifies Denies Abuse Ever Happened, WOWT [Omaha NE], October 1, 2006

Accused Teacher Testifies
Denies Abuse Ever Happened

WOWT [Omaha NE]
October 1, 2006

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/4249346.html

The case against a former Girls and Boys Town teacher continued Wednesday at the Douglas County Courthouse. Glenn Moore is accused of sexually abusing a student nine years ago.

Now 23 years old, John Sturzenegger is suing Girls and Boys Town and his former family teacher for as much as $1 million.

Sturzenegger said in a deposition that nine years ago Moore offered him $5 to run around naked, and then offered him a candy bar if he would touch himself.

Moore testified Wednesday that the alleged incident never happened.

As Sturzenegger left the courtroom, he said of Moore, "He's such a liar."

Moore's attorney, James Martin Davis says it's the other way around.

"What it boils down to is the uncorroborated statement of a student who has a reputation of being a habitual liar," Davis said.

Sturzenegger's attorney, Ted Boecker, says his client's story has remained consistent. He says the incident may have been caused by emotional distress on the part of Glenn Moore and his wife after the couple suffered a miscarriage.

"I think what has been clearly established is at the time John said this occurred, Glenn was at a time of distress in his life, and under his own admission undergoing emotional distress. He was having problems at home and for whatever reason, triggered this event," Boecker said.

Moore resigned from Girls and Boys Town a short time later, but Davis says this case is not about personal tragedy, it is about a former student who wants money.

"What we are dealing with is a million dollar manipulation," Davis said. "This young man went into Boys Town being a manipulator and a liar, and he came out the same way because he wouldn't help himself in terms of addressing his problems."

Both attorneys tell Channel 6 they hope to have the case wrapped up and in the hands of jurors by the end of the week.