Paul Kendrick, who accused Haitian orphanage founder, appeals defamation verdict

Portland Press Herald
January 12, 2016

http://www.pressherald.com/2016/01/12/paul-kendrick-who-accused-haitian-orphanage-founder-appeals-defamation-verdict/

Paul Kendrick, left, and Michael Geilenfeld

A Freeport man who accused a Haiti orphanage founder of molesting boys is appealing a defamation verdict.

Paul Kendrick has accused Michael Geilenfeld, founder of St. Joseph Home for Boys, of being a serial pedophile. Geilenfeld denied the allegations and sued Kendrick for defamation.

In July, a federal jury awarded $7 million to Geilenfeld and $7.5 million to a North Carolina-based charity, Hearts of Haiti.

Kendrick’s attorneys contend Geilenfeld didn’t have jurisdiction to sue in federal court because he was living outside the U.S. when he filed his complaint. The appeal also contends his testimony was key to damages awarded North Carolina-based charity, Hearts with Haiti.

The abuse allegations haven’t gone away. Police continue to investigate accusations in Haiti, where police padlocked the orphanage and sought to detain Geilenfeld.