Illinois Father Wins Lawsuit Against Drug Dealers March 18, 2004
News Summary
David Lorenz of McHenry, Ill., was awarded $16 million in a lawsuit against three convicted drug dealers filed after his 17-year-old son, Steven, died from an overdose, the Chicago Daily Herald reported March 16.One of the dealers sold the ecstasy-like drugs to Steven; the others did not, but sold similar drugs elsewhere in the community.
"I think this will mean something," said Lorenz. "Now people will know that if you hurt somebody by trafficking drugs, you might have to pay for it. Maybe they'll reconsider what they're doing."
Lorenz filed the lawsuit under the Illinois Drug Dealer Liability Act. The award by McHenry County Judge Michael Caldwell is believed to be the first time in state history that convicted drug dealers were ordered to pay monetary damages to the family of an overdose victim.
Sean Kucharski of Crystal Lake, Charlotte Cox of McHenry, and Rafael Vigneron of Prospect Heights are currently serving prison sentences on drug convictions. It is doubtful that they would have financial assets upon their release to pay the award.
But Lorenz said the lawsuit was not about the money, but rather the message.
"I've lost my son and money is not going to bring him back," he said. "In a way, Steve's had his day in court finally. Even though he paid the price, the people who did this are paying a price, as well."
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