The Whitmore Academy 2009

The Whitmore Academy Settles - but Doesn't Lose

2009-01-04T06:54:00.001-08:00

Our legal system is set up in a way that most cases settle rather than going through trial. Insurance companies are notorious for wanting to settle to avoid going through a costly and often lengthy trial. Most clients are left with no choice but to settle their case, even when they know they are innocent.

And that's exactly what has happened with the Whitmore Academy case.

Many people who have followed this case, read most of the depositions (on both sides), hearings, etc. believe the plaintiffs would have lost their case if it had gone to trial.

The plaintiffs believed they had a multi-million dollar case when in reality the case settled for $450K – only a fraction of what they had expected. The question is why?

After reading the many facts of this case, it was clear to those who have been closely following the case that the plaintiffs never had a winning case. In fact, the initiator of this vindictive lawsuit withdrew. It has been said she did not want "blood money" when in reality it became obvious she simply did not want to be deposed.

The Deseret News wrote a very partisan article shortly after the settlement. They made no attempt to contact the defendants' lawyers or the defendants themselves.

Immediately after the article was released Phil Ferguson, the Suweeks' lawyer, contacted the Deseret News and wrote a letter to the reporter.

Below is a copy of the original e-mail that was sent to the Deseret News:

From: Phil Ferguson <Phillip.Ferguson@chrisjen.com>
Date: November 26, 2008 1:26:26 PM MST
To: ethomas@desnews.com

Subject: Ex-school owners OK $450,000 settlement

Dear Ethan,

We were disappointed that you did not contact the Whitmore Academy or the Sudweeks before running your story regarding the recent settlement of the lawsuit against them. It has been our experience that Deseret News reporters generally contact both sides of a controversy before publishing their stories.

The Whitmore Academy is neither a “boot camp” nor a “wilderness program” as your story intimates. It was a boarding school that helped hundreds of troubled teenagers from across the country deal with a variety of difficult problems and return home to their families better off than when they arrived. The Whitmore Academy was inspected on numerous scheduled and surprise occasions by the Bureau of Licensing, the State Office of Education, the Division of Child and Family Services, the Health Department, and other regulators, none of whom found the conditions alleged by the Plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The families who filed suit were unable to verify the allegations of abuse set out in their complaint. As you know, anyone with a couple of hundred bucks and a grudge can file a lawsuit.

So why did the case settle? It was terribly expensive. The expenses already incurred by the parties exceeded the amount of the settlement by a fair margin and the parties still faced an 8-week trial. A great deal of preparation remained to get the case ready for trial. More to the point, the emotional burden on the Sudweeks was crushing due, in large part, to the fact that in the competitive environment of these troubled teen programs, it takes only a little bit of bad publicity, such as your article, to destroy a lifetime of work. Finally, the Sudweeks wanted to protect their family and move on with their lives.

Phillip S. Ferguson
CHRISTENSEN & JENSEN, P.C.
15 West South Temple, Suite 800
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Telephone: 801.323.5000 x 306
Facsimile: 866.554.5492 (personal computer)
801.355.3472 (general office)
email: phillip.ferguson@chrisjen.com
Website: http://www.chrisjen.com/

My support of the Sudweeks and their program prompted a group of radicals to target me on the Internet. They posted twisted truths and outright lies about me, my family and even some of my friends. They even accused me of supporting child abuse. As a parent whose daughter was abused at a teen help program, I would never support child abuse of any kind, including in any program. When their threats turned to my children I had no choice but to defend myself.

I endured a long and stressful court case and was as shocked as anyone else when the jury verdict was returned: $11.3 Million dollars in my favor. The jurors wanted to send a message to my abuser that you can't defame a person on the Internet simply because you don't like them.

It is clear to anyone who knows me and the work I have done that after a decade of helping thousands of families my motivation clearly is to help educate parents - not place their children in harmful situations.

If you would like to know more about me and my story you can read my first book, "Wit's End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out of Control Teen - A Mother and Daughter's True Story" published by Health Communications, Inc. (HCI). HCI is the publisher that brought you the Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Series.

In my opinion, many people in today's society sue others simply because they can. I was recently told by an attorney that his practice is booming as the economy declines. People are suing each other hoping for collections, often not understanding the scope of what it truly means to be involved in a lawsuit.

Mark and Cheryl will sustain this - with constant flow of encouraging letters from former students and parents, they know they helped literally hundreds of families. They made a positive difference. They will not allow a few money grubbers (my opinion) destroy their life's work. And the best news is a major Hollywood Producer is interested in bringing this story to the big screen, as well as a book that will be released by a major publisher. It is nice to know when bad things happen to good people, there are those that will use their ability to bring the real story to the surface.

As a footnote: There was also a criminal lawsuit that was filed against the Whitmore. The state indicated they did not have the evidence needed to prove abuse or to prosecute the Sudweeks. They entered into a plea agreement with the Sudweeks in an effort to resolve the case.

If reached this Blog from a website designed to slander me - claiming to be "the truth about me" however offers twisted truths and outright lies - take the time to learn about this group of former institutionalized people. Click Here and follow the other links on their pages. Sadly these people were formerly in programs and didn't have good experieces, however it doesn't eliminate the fact many have fantastic and lifesaving experiences.

What Does Cruella have to Hide?

2007-11-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Read the 2009 Update on The Whitmore Academy.

Cruella Strikes again … this time she posed as “Judy Browne” – with an “e”.

It is believed this is the same person who posed as “Patti Atwoods”, scamming a Child Advocate. Further it is also believed she was a "Donna Ware" back in early September to another program! Doesn't she know enough to get a different cell number?

She wasted weeks of innocent peoples’ time. She lied about the purpose of her calls.

This time she’s gone too far, in my opinion. Scamming a Child Advocate was bad enough …

Now, she not only scammed a program director but she involved innocent families. She lied to them and under false pretence gathered very private information about them and their children.

While it was believed she had crossed over the line before, this time she may have REALLY crossed over the line. What is her purpose? What is she so afraid of that she has to hide behind fake names, come up with complete fabrications and lies, and continue to hurt innocent families?

What she may not have realized is that she messed up – again. She thinks she’s very clever but what she might not have realized is she accidentally called from her own personal home number. And that was very easy to trace. You can type her phone number on Google and voila, there she is. Amazing!

Everything is leading me to believe this is “Honker Girl” – the same Honker Girl that was investigated by the FBI when she bribed some boys into running away from the Whitmore. One of those boys came up missing for a month. The FBI was involved and the parents were horrified that their teenager was missing clear across the country. What is this woman thinking?

Well, Cruella may be facing her darkest fear – finally being deposed! She managed to get out of it once when the Whitmore closed but I think she was just lucky that time. Luck runs out when people continue breaking the law and hurting innocent people.

Why does she do these things? Who knows why these types of people do anything. It seems she is working with the guy who claims he’s going to “f-up programs”.

And while she continues to try to destroy innocent people, I am still receiving calls from people saying they had positive experiences at the Whitmore – a program that has helped hundreds of families for over 20+ years. Just today, in fact, a gentleman called me thanking me for speaking out about the positive the Whitmore Academy has done families.

Thanks to Lon Woodbury at Struggling Teens for Sharing All Sides of the Story

2007-11-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Read the 2009 Update on The Whitmore Academy.

We thank Struggling Teens Website for giving us the opportunity to share the truths about The Whitmore Academy. After numerous interviews with former students, parents, authorities, lawyers and the owners, it is apparent to us that this is nothing short of a vendetta against the Sudweeks.

While you are here - be sure to visit "Wit's End!" my new book that will be filled with valuable information about parents helping parents offering hope, inspiration and much more. It is bringing brought to you by the publishers that gave you Chicken Soup for the Soul book series!

2007-09-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Another side to the Whitmore Academy, and most say the only side.....

Thank you........

2007-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Read the 2009 Update on The Whitmore Academy.

We thank Struggling Teens Website for giving us the opportunity to share the truths about The Whitmore Academy. After numerous interviews with former students, parents, authorities, lawyers and the owners, it is apparent to us that this is nothing short of a vendetta against the Sudweeks.

While you are here - be sure to visit "Wit's End!" my new book that will be filled with valuable information about parents helping parents offering hope, inspiration and much more. It is bringing brought to you by the publishers that gave you Chicken Soup for the Soul book series!

Cruella De Vil strikes again....

2007-05-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

Read the Update on The Whitmore Academy 2009.

We have some very interesting emails from the mother that the kids have labeled as "Cruella De Vil" - that has maliciously tried to silence so many in an attempt to keep "her secret" - just that - A SECRET!

Cruella has attempted to try to slander myself and other child advocates that have discovered her truths.

It is truly disgusting this woman is using the Internet to harm people to keep her secrets from coming to surface. What really ruins her credibility is the fact she withdrew from the lawsuit she was so anxious to bring against Whitmore - She withdrew just days prior having to be deposed - or another words EXPOSED!

Update 2009 - If this case had gone to trial - Cruella would have been exposed. I can't help but wonder if this was part of the reasoning for settlment? Guess we will never know.

The Whitmore Academy - My experiences - 2009 UPDATE

2007-03-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

DECEMBER 21, 2010 - UPDATE

If you reached this Blog from a website designed to slander me - claiming to be "the truth about me" however offers twisted truths and outright lies - take the time to learn about this group of former institutionalized people. Click Here and follow the other links on their pages. Sadly these people were formerly in programs and didn't have good experieces, however it doesn't eliminate the fact many have fantastic and lifesaving experiences. Or you may have reached it after a teen help "sales rep" is attempting to discredit me in order to debunk my story and my legal victories. (Maybe to convince you to place your child in one of their programs?) - May 2009

Read Updated 2009 Here.

The Whitmore Settles - but Doesn't Lose

By Sue Scheff

As the owner and founder of Parent's Universal Resource Expert's (PURE), I have visited the Whitmore Academy and Mansion on several occasions. Each trip was more exciting and more amazing! The owners of the Whitmore, Mark and Cheryl Sudweeks, are people that not only ran the school, they lived for the kids and loved their work from the deepest part of their hearts. It was obvious from the moment you set foot on their campus - a feeling of comfort and warmth.

The radiance that the Whitmore had could be felt the minute you walk through the front doors of the mansion. It is a sense of peace and serenity. Mark and Cheryl have literally helped hundreds of families and kids in over 30 years and never an allegation of child abuse or neglect. Families are still in touch with Mark and Cheryl today - they remember who gave them hope and direction at a time of darkness. It was the love of the The Whitmore Academy that changed so many lives!

Yes - that is what The Whitmore gave to so many families for so many years......

So when I heard of the claims of abuse - I immediately looked very closely at this - contacted many of the families that had been there in previous years as well as current parents. I heard a consistent story of a disgruntled mother that was angry that her daughter may disclosing too much about their home life. As a parent that had a daughter that went through a difficult time, I understand these kids can "tell stories" - but if you know the story is false - you have nothing to worry about. Not in this case - it seemed this mother had something to hide.

I then spoke with the Attorney Generals office and found out they had no findings, however it was true the mother was constantly calling and complaining. After interviewing kids and parents, there still was nothing. Except this mother that wanted to cause trouble to keep her secret from coming out.

At this point I was satisfied that the mother's complaints were unjustified. Furthermore, it was told through one of the kids that the mother was offering money to the kids to make up stories about Mark and Cheryl - this is hearsay - but it was making sense to me. Obviously, this mother was desperate to keep her private life private.

Ironically, I knew this mother and actually gave her the Whitmore and another program to consider for her daughter. Unbeknownst to me she dropped her daughter off at the Whitmore while Mark and Cheryl were out of town. From what I understand, she was desperate to get rid of her daughter - although the Sudweeks asked if they could wait until they were back from a trip - the mother could not. So the Sudweeks had their daughter meet the very young teen at the Mansion and bring her to their trip.

Now, this got me thinking - what was the rush? It was almost like the mother had a party to get to or something. Shortly there after is when the trouble began. This little girl had stories to tell and it seems the mother didn't want these stories disclosed.

Now I wonder what that secret was that the daughter had about the mother? If it was a lie the daughter was telling or manipulation, then the mother would have nothing to worry about - right? But is seems there was more truth than not to the story.

No matter what it is/was - all of this lead to a civil lawsuit instigated by this mother, and she got others to join (it is hearsay she may have offered them money or promised they could get a good settlement - make money off this lawsuit), but as soon as she found out she would have to be deposed - and probably EXPOSED - she withdrew from the lawsuit!

What a mess - in the end - the most beautiful program to help families is closed since it has to handle the legal mess this mother caused, in my opinion, rather than tending to the hundreds of families it could be helping.

I have been criticized for standing by the Whitmore - but I assure you, I had a daughter abused in a program, I would never place a child in any danger after what I have been through.

There will be a detailed investigative report coming out soon, and I am confident you will come to the same conclusion. It is a shame such wonderful people like Mark and Cheryl Sudweeks has to endure the wrath of this vindictive person.

At the end of the day, Mark and Cheryl will always be who they are and will always be able to share their love and knowledge to help others through hard times. No one will ever be able to take that from them.

Updates here.

As a footnote: There was also a criminal lawsuit that was filed against the Whitmore. The state indicated they did not have the evidence needed to prove abuse or to prosecute the Sudweeks. They entered into a plea agreement with the Sudweeks in an effort to resolve the case.

Disclaimer: This blog does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content collectively, contained on, distributed through, or linked, downloaded or accessed from any of the services contained on this blog. The information in this blog is based on interviews with victims and parents, information from government officials, and lawyers. None of the contributors, sponsors, administrators or anyone else connected with this blog in any way whatsoever can be responsible for the appearance of any inaccurate or libelous information contained in this blog. All information provided using this blog is only intended to be general summary information to the public.

The Whitmore Academy - The SECRET! Shhh....

2007-03-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Read the 2009 Update on The Whitmore Academy.

This Blog will outline how one mother who desperately tried to keep her SECRET of her XXX activities quiet - set out to destroy a program that for over 30 years helped hundreds of youths and their families.

Information will be taken from testimony and evidence compiled in the lawsuit.

It is an example of how money can create evilness - and the evilness can ruin lives and families.

The ironic twist to the story is the mother that so desperately wanted the school closed, withdrew from the lawsuit when she was told she would have to be deposed. We all still wonder "What does she have to hide?" Maybe her daughter was telling the truth about her? Stay tuned!

Sneak Peak of what this San Antonio mother has to hide:

http://web.archive.org/web/20040430094043/http:/www.swingersdateclub.com/profiles/profile_HONKER60GIRL_390405451032_SDC.html If you click to hear the voice - you need to activate it - you will soon realize this San Antonio Swinger (multiple sex partners) aka - HonkerGirl60 -didn't want her daughter telling what goes on behind closed doors of their Texas home.

It is obvious why this mother has a grudge against me - claiming I told her to go to Whitmore - when in reality as outlined in emails and a letter from my attorney - I gave her choices! She, as a parent, chose Whitmore Academy - and since Whitmore did their job so well - her daughter felt safe in disclosing her family secrets! That was the beginning of the demise of the Whitmore in my opinion. All to keep this secret - Cruella De Vil (aka San Antonio parent) destroyed many lives.

The names and locations will be changed to protect minors and privacy issues, but we believe that it will give you a birds-eye of view of how dangerous the Internet is when people use their computer to spread HATE.

Disclaimer: This blog does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content collectively, contained on, distributed through, or linked, downloaded or accessed from any of the services contained on this blog. The information in this blog is based on interviews with victims and parents, information from government officials, and lawyers. None of the contributors, sponsors, administrators or anyone else connected with this blog in any way whatsoever can be responsible for the appearance of any inaccurate or libelous information contained in this blog. All information provided using this blog is only intended to be general summary information to the public.