ST. PAUL, Minn. -- More trouble for the founder of the Children’s Theatre Company, John Clark Donahue.
Tuesday, two former students at CTC filed suit against the theatre and Donahue. The suit only describes the male victims as Doe 170 and 171. The men allege they were abused in the 1970’s.
In 1984, Donahue pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal sexual conduct involving male youth students at the CTC.
Now, according to St. Paul Attorney Jeff Anderson, Donahue is the alleged perpetrator of even more alleged victims during Donohue's time at the Theatre.
Anderson said there are six lawsuits against the Theatre Company with three naming Donahue as the alleged abuser. So far, there are eight plaintiffs, including Todd Hildebrandt
Tuesday, Hildebrandt, the 53-year-old who filed one of the first suits in December, spoke out for the first time. Hildebrandt said he hopes to encourage other victims to come forward before the May 24 deadline.
Hildebrandt, whose wife was with him Tuesday, said he was 14 when the alleged crimes happened.
“There is a clear link between child abuse and adverse adult health,” he said fighting tears. “I had huge flashbacks. I had nightmares. I had post-traumatic stress symptoms. I went through everything. It was as if I was a theater student again.”
Via email, a representative with the Theatre Company released the following statement:
“We continue to support the efforts of those who have been victims of sexual abuse to have the truth known and to see justice served. These goals are shared by the Theatre and - we believe - by every member of our community who understands and supports our mission."
KARE 11 reached out to Donahue, but he refused to take our call.