Family files claims over child-sex probe

WENATCHEE — A family caught up in the 1994-95 Wenatchee child-sexual-abuse investigations has filed claims totaling $100 million against Chelan County.

Carol and Mark Doggett, whose convictions on charges of first-degree child rape and complicity to commit first-degree child molestation were overturned on appeal, have filed claims of $20 million each. Three of their five children also have filed claims of $20 million each. The family now lives in Bothell.

The claims, filed June 6 by Auburn lawyer Robert Van Siclen, allege negligence and civil-rights violations. The Doggetts contend the allegations of child abuse were improperly investigated, that improper and coercive child interviewing techniques were used and that the county was negligent in the way in which it contracted with a public defender.

A claim is a precursor to a lawsuit. Chelan County has 60 days to respond.

Carol and Mark Doggett were two of 43 adults accused in the child-sexual-abuse investigations, which have since been largely discredited.

The 18 people who were convicted were released after their convictions were overturned, or they agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges.

The Doggetts were accused of raping their own children, who later recanted. The parents were each sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison in 1995. Their convictions were overturned by the state Court of Appeals, and they were released in mid-1998.

The Doggetts' oldest daughter, Sarah, sued Wenatchee and the state. She settled the lawsuit last year for $52,500 from the state and $25,000 from the city. The city and the state admitted no wrongdoing.