Minnesota abuse victims to pursue civil suit against London suspect

6-28-2012 Minnesota:

An attorney representing three Minnesota women who were molested when they were young says it's unfortunate their abuser won't be brought to the U.S. to face criminal charges.

Now, the attorney says, the only way the victims can hold Shawn Sullivan accountable is through civil court.

Sullivan, 43, is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl and molesting two 11-year-olds in Minnesota in the 1990s. He is in London, and Britain's High Court won't extradite him, saying Minnesota's civil commitment law for sex offenders is too harsh.

Attorney Michael Hall III is representing the three Minnesota victims who sued Sullivan.

Defense attorneys wanted the lawsuit put on hold pending an extradition decision, but Hall says he now anticipates it will go forward.

Sullivan's civil defense attorney did not return a message Thursday, June 28. ..Source.. by Pioneer Press