Victims’ attorney to push claim against accused

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An attorney representing three Minnesota women who were molested when they were young says it’s unfortunate their abuser won’t be brought to the U.S. to face criminal charges.

Now, the attorney says, the only way the victims can hold 43-year-old Shawn Sullivan accountable is through civil court.

Sullivan is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl and molesting two 11-year-olds in Minnesota in the 1990s. He is in London, and Britain’s High Court won’t extradite him, saying Minnesota’s civil commitment law for sex offenders is too harsh.

Attorney Michael Hall III is representing the three victims who sued Sullivan.

Defense attorneys wanted the lawsuit put on hold pending an extradition decision, but Hall says he now anticipates it will go forward.

Sullivan’s civil defense attorney did not return a message Thursday.