County settles sex abuse lawsuit

$175,000 to 2 former volunteer firefighters

By SCOTT DAUGHERTY, Staff Writer

Published 05/24/09

Two former volunteer firefighters claimed they were molested in 2004 and 2005 by the then-president of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company.

And when they spoke to supervisors about Louis D'Camera - who committed suicide in July 2005 shortly after police caught him with a male prostitute - those complaints were rebuffed, they said.

The fire company and county deny D'Camera abused the men and don't believe anyone tried to cover it up. Still, they agreed last week to pay the two men a total of $175,000 as well as "reasonable attorney's fees" to settle a lawsuit filed last year in U.S. District Court in...

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Rogers - 2009-05-26 14:14:24

I thought he was suspended by the County for refusing to allow the County to station a paid paramedic unit?

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Rick M. - Laurel, Md - Karma: Neutral

The problem is still there - 2009-05-24 15:03:10

They have most of the members that were in place then, still in place now. Rumor is the Chief stepped down on advice from the lawyers, but will be back when this is all said and done at the end of the year. Also, another member, John Bagus, was found guilty of child pornography in 98 and 2004, and was still a member when he was found guilty again, in 2007. Although Odenton has publicly denied it, it is well known inside the fire company that it happened. In fact, its been said that in one of his suicide letters, he admitted what he did to the younger victim. Also, when he was charged in 98, his brother was a detective for AACo Criminal Investigations Division..

Again, please log on to [link] to have Louies name removed from the Hall of Fame

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John D. - , - Karma: Neutral

Confused - 2009-05-24 13:39:40

I was curious and logged in to find the Docket text that this is indeed a JUDGEMENT against the county and odenton - how is this shown as a settlement?

Is the capital leaving this story alone? This seems like another Anne Arundel County move saying "Nothing bad happened here, lets move along" It sounds like we still have some folks in charge that could potentially be dangerous. Thoughts?

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Justin C. - , - Karma: Bad

Remove Louie from the Hall of Fame! - 2009-05-24 09:01:53

Louie D'Camera is still on the Volunteer Firefighter Hall of Fame! Please follow this link to sign a petition to have him removed from the Hall of Fame.

[link]

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John D. - , - Karma: Neutral