Suit: Two camp counselors sexually abused boy in Markham

Two counselors sexually abused a boy in June 2013 during a summer camp hosted by the south suburban Markham Park District, according to a lawsuit filed Friday.

The boy’s mother, who is only identified as Andrea, filed the sexual abuse and negligence lawsuit Friday in Cook County Circuit Court.

Andrea’s son, who was 10 years old at the time of the alleged sexual abuse, was a registered participant of the Markham Park District’s summer day camp and aftercare programs, according to the suit.

Sometime during June 2013, camp counselors Marcus Geralds and Otis Lane sexually abused the boy “by emulating sexual acts and making inappropriate sexual contact,” the suit alleges.

Geralds, 19, and Lane, 18, both of Matteson, were each charged in July 2013 with two felony counts of aggravated battery in a public place, according to court records.

Both men were initially held on $10,000 bond and, after posting bond, pled not guilty, court records show. Geralds is next scheduled to appear for a status hearing at the Markham courthouse Oct. 27, and Lane is next scheduled to appear in court Nov. 7.

The suit alleges Geralds and Lane occupied a position of trust and influence over the boy, and took advantage of that position by coercing him into performing sexual acts.

The suit also claims negligence against the Markham Park District, which had a duty to investigate, hire and supervise employees who should have provided campers with a safe environment.

The six-count suit, which names Geralds, Lane and the park district as defendants, is seeking at least $300,000 in damages.

The Markham Park District has not yet been served with the complaint, according to Stacey Lynn Wilkins, an attorney representing the park district, who did not issue a comment Monday morning.