A former student of the now-defunct Family Foundation School in New York has filed a $10 million lawsuit alleging severe physical, emotional and sexual abuse during his time at the private boarding institution.

The lawsuit, filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, details a series of disturbing allegations against the school, which operated in Hancock, New York, until its closure in 2014.

Allegations of abuse and mistreatment

According to court documents, students were allegedly subjected to humiliating treatment, including strip searches upon arrival and participation in what the lawsuit describes as “sexualised group sessions”.

The former student, who attended the school between 2000 and 2003, also claimed that children were forced to carry out harsh punishments and degrading tasks. Among the allegations are claims that some students were wrapped in rugs secured with duct tape and that those attempting to escape were tracked down using K9 dogs.

The lawsuit further alleges that students were made to perform unpaid labour, including digging trenches, shovelling snow, cleaning animal enclosures and carrying out construction work on property owned by the school’s operators.

Sexual abuse claims

The complainant alleges that he was sexually abused by music teacher Paul Geer during a school chorus trip to Toronto, Canada.

According to the lawsuit, the student reported the alleged abuse to school owner Michael Argiros, but claims his complaint was ignored. Instead, he says he was placed on a disciplinary “work sanction”.

Geer was later prosecuted in federal court and sentenced to 27 years in prison in 2024 after being convicted on charges related to sexual abuse.

School owners deny knowledge

The lawsuit also claims that the institution was operated by individuals lacking professional educational, counselling or clinical qualifications.

Michael Argiros has denied knowledge of any abuse occurring at the school. In sworn testimony cited by reports, he stated that he was unaware of complaints or reports of misconduct while the institution was in operation.

The case remains before the courts, where the allegations will be examined through legal proceedings.