Pinewood Prep faces 2nd lawsuit over ReVille actions

Another former student of admitted molester Louis “Skip” ReVille has filed a lawsuit against Pinewood Preparatory School and two of its ex-officials, alleging they failed to protect him from ReVille’s advances.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Dorchester County, marks the second case brought against Pinewood and former headmaster, Glyn Cowlishaw, in connection with ReVille. Also named in the suit is former Pinewood guidance counselor Brendan Diffley.

Another former student filed a similar suit last month, alleging that school officials turned a blind eye to ReVille’s penchant for young boys and failed to protect students from his sexual abuse. Both victims are represented by the Motley Rice law firm.

The victim in the latest suit, identified as “John Doe 2,” alleges that Pinewood, Cowlishaw and Diffley were notified that ReVille improperly touched him and other boys on school property but the defendants did not report it as required by law. The victim was a middle school student at the time.

The suit also alleges that Pinewood Prep and Cowlishaw were grossly negligent in their hiring and supervision of ReVille, who worked as a teacher and coach at the Summerville private school between 2002 and 2006.

“Based on new evidence, we believe these mandatory reporters at Pinewood missed opportunities to stop this predator,” said David Hoyle, who represents the former student. “We want this lawsuit to serve as a reminder to all mandatory reporters – teachers, school counselors, and principals, among others – that they must follow the law and protect the children in their care.”

Alice Paylor, the school’s attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment. School officials have called the previous lawsuit filed by Motley Rice meritless and based on unfounded allegations. The school and Cowlishaw have insisted they received no complaints about ReVille and knew nothing of any illegal activities he was engaged in.

The lawsuit claims a civil conspiracy, alleging that the three defendants engaged in a conspiracy of silence by failing to notify law enforcement and by taking steps to keep others from alerting police.

ReVille, 32, held multiple teaching, coaching and volunteer positions in the Charleston area. Those include: The Citadel, Coastal Christian Preparatory School, Bishop England High School, Moultrie Middle School, Rollings Middle School, Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, Velocity Sports Performance and Eastbridge Presbyterian Church.

He was arrested on Oct. 28 in Mount Pleasant and stands accused of molesting nine boys in that town. Police in Hanahan, Summerville and Charleston also are investigating ReVille’s actions, and authorities have indicated more charges are on the way.