US appeals court: Child porn victim can sue adoptive father
A federal appeals court says a child pornography victim from Pennsylvania can sue her abuser for damages even though he paid $200,000 restitution in the criminal case.
The ruling Tuesday overturns a lower court ruling involving a child victim known as “Internet Girl” because of images recorded and circulated online by her adoptive father.
Matthew Mancuso of Pittsburgh is serving a 15-year federal sentence following his 2004 plea.
Congress passed “Masha’s Law” on the girl’s behalf in 2006. The law allows victims to seek at least $150,000 from anyone convicted of exploiting them.
The U.S. Third Circuit Court says the restitution does not negate their ability to sue.
Mancuso’s lawyer says he will consider an appeal to the full circuit.
The victim has since changed her name after testifying before Congress.
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