Four victims of serial rapist Brent Brents have reached a settlement with the city of Aurora.
This morning the city announced a total payment of $240,000 to the victims, to stave of lawsuits by those who claim the city should have had Brents under arrest before his final rampage in February of 2005.
Aurora police had interviewed Brents in November 2004, when he admitted to molesting an 8-year-old boy. But because of bureaucratic mishandling, an arrest warrant wasn’t signed until late January 2005 – allowing Brents to remain free and attack at least 10 more people.
Four of those victims had filed a notice of intent to sue. One was asking for $2.5 million dollars. Altogether, Brents attacked at least 14 women and children and was sentenced to more than 1,300 years in prison.
“We appreciate the city’s commitment in reaching an agreement that is best for all those involved,” said Sean Gallagher, attorney for one of the plaintiffs, in a statement released this morning.
“This was an awful tragedy for the community, but more importantly for the victims and their families,” said Aurora City Attorney Charles Richardson. “Our goal has been to treat the families fairly and with compassion. This resolution allows the parties to continue to heal both emotionally and physically.”
Denver Post reporter Jeremy Meyer contributed to this report.
