MACHIAS, Maine — A civil lawsuit brought by a 28-year-old woman who is accusing a Cherryfield businessman of sexually abusing her when she was a child goes to trial next week in Washington County Superior Court.
The bench trial of Steven Pagels is slated to begin on Sept. 29. Pagels, in court filings, has denied the allegations. He has not been charged with any crimes.
The lawsuit was filed in July 2012 by the woman, who lives in Washington County. She is not being identified by the Bangor Daily News because she is an alleged victim of sexual assault.
In her lawsuit, the woman accuses Pagels of sexually molesting and assaulting her over more than nine years, beginning when she was around age 7.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified punitive damages for his “willful, wanton and malicious” actions against the plaintiff, plus interest and legal costs.
On the same date that the lawsuit was filed, a judge granted a motion to place liens on $5 million worth of Pagels’ property to prevent him from selling or concealing assets before the case could be resolved.
In his order, Calais District Court Judge John Romei noted it is “more likely than not, that in this action the plaintiff will recover judgment,” including interest and costs, of no less than $5 million.
Pagels operates a company called Downeast Windjammer Cruises and affiliated businesses. They provide various cruises, excursions, fishing trips and charter and ferry service on a number of vessels sailing or steaming from Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Eastport.
Pagel’s response, filed in Calais District Court in August 2012, denied the allegations and sought to have the case dismissed.
When contacted by phone this week, Pagels referred all questions to his lawyer.
His attorney, Daniel Pileggi of Ellsworth, responded via email on Wednesday that Pagels denies the allegations “and is relying on the civil justice system to allow the truth to prevail.”
The woman’s lawsuit indicates that she has been diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder, severe major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and severe panic attacks, and is in remission from substance abuse.
“She has suffered and will continue to suffer from impaired mental health and an ability to engage in a normal life including impairment of her own parenting abilities,” says the lawsuit.