Man who accused Haiti orphanage founder of molestation appeals defamation verdict

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)_ A Maine 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 the 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.

Police continue to investigate the accusations in Haiti, where police padlocked the orphanage and sought to detain Geilenfeld.