MANCHESTER, N.H.- A juror from the Kristy Gesse sexual abuse case says they were shocked when were informed how the damages were to be paid to the victim.
Speaking with WMUR-TV the anonymous juror said the jury intended for Gesse receive the full $16 million in damages however under the verdict the state was only responsible for $4 million, leaving the remaining $12 million to be covered by Peter and Beverly Tsetsilas, the owners of the Saddleback retreat group, who both have since died.
As the juror said the group was surprised when they learned how the award was divided;
“Everybody was dumbfounded by the result because we weren’t in the courtroom when it was read. So, they all said, you know, that wasn’t enough. That’s not what we wanted. You know, that’s not what we agreed on. It’s wrong.”
Following the verdict Gesse has filed an appeal claiming that the state should pay the full amount and is even using the jurors’ statements to the media in her case.
In response the Department of Health of Human Services filed a cross-appeal saying that Gesse’s claims were filed too late, according to the state’s statute of limitations, which officials say could reduce the amount the state is required to pay.
