In 1979, when Kelly was three years old, she was placed in foster care with Lester and Nancy Pope. One year later, Lester Pope, a professor at the University of Missouri, began sexually molesting Kelly. Lester and Nancy Pope adopted Kelly in 1981, and the sexual abuse continued until 1989, when Kelly was thirteen years old.
In 1988, Nancy Pope discovered evidence of the abuse and questioned Kelly. Kelly told her adoptive mother that Lester had been molesting her. Nancy Pope arranged a meeting with her psychologist, Dr. Strnad, and his business partner, Dr. Joel Ray, to discuss the accusation.
During this meeting, Ms. Pope disclosed to Dr. Strnad her belief her husband was sexually abusing Kelly, but asked Dr. Strnad not to report the sexual abuse to anyone. Dr. Strnad agreed. Dr. Strnad also agreed to begin counseling Lester.
After the meeting, Nancy Pope confronted her husband about the abuse. Lester Pope admitted he had sexually abused Kelly and agreed to counseling with Dr. Strnad. Mr. Pope attended counseling with Dr. Strnad and again confessed he had sexually abused Kelly. Lester Pope quit therapy after four more sessions and the abuse of Kelly continued.
Lester Pope was eventually arrested and plead guilty to one count of sodomy. He was sentenced to nine years, of which he ended up serving about five years.
Litigation over the compensation in this case continues to this day.
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