Aiken, South Carolina: Court Delivers $45 Million Damages in Shocking Rental Case
In a courtroom drama that has captured the attention of Aiken County, a jury on Wednesday added a staggering $18 million in punitive damages to an already hefty $27 million award against landlord Rhett Riviere. This ruling followed revelations that Riviere had secretly videoed a couple in the privacy of their rental cottage—a breach of trust that’s left many in the community reeling. The total damages now owed by Riviere, along with his ex-wife Josee Riviere, stand at an eye-popping $45 million, with Riviere himself being responsible for most of the sum.
The Background of the Case
The plaintiffs, Gabriel and Heather Crespo, originally rented the cottage back in 2001 in Aiken, known for its charm and proximity to golf and horse racing attractions. They were completely unaware that their privacy was being invaded by hidden cameras that Riviere had installed throughout the property. Over a span of 20 years, evidence revealed that Riviere had recorded more than 20,000 secret videos of renters, making the case all the more alarming.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that the Crespos learned of the existence of these voyeuristic recordings when the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) initiated a criminal investigation into Riviere. As it stands, he is facing three criminal charges of voyeurism related to the hidden cameras within his rental properties, and these charges are still pending.
The Trial and the Verdict
The trial unfolded in two parts: the jury first focused on actual damages, awarding the Crespos $27 million, before returning to their deliberations for less than 90 minutes to add an additional $10 million in punitive damages. State Judge Martha Rivers furthered the punitive award by adding an extra $8 million, citing Riviere’s violation of the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.
During the trial, Riviere took the stand but consistently chose to exercise his constitutional right to refrain from answering questions, which left many feeling frustrated and puzzled. His legal team, including attorneys Joe McCulloch and Jim Griffin, expressed that they found the jury’s decision “excessive,” claiming it exceeded their client’s financial capabilities.
The Plaintiffs’ Perspective
Lead attorney for the plaintiffs, Deborah Barbier, expressed great satisfaction with the outcome. “I was very gratified that it went well, that it’s over, and that my clients are vindicated,” she stated after the verdict. Barbier stressed that punitive damages serve to both punish and deter such behavior in the future, as well as send a message to the wider community.
Barbier articulated how Riviere’s privileged upbringing may have contributed to his decisions, mentioning that he lived a life where “no one has told him no.” It’s a stark reminder of how unchecked privilege can lead to serious missteps, particularly in the context of business ethics.
The Wider Implications
This ruling not only holds Riviere accountable for his actions but also highlights a critical issue—protecting renters from intrusive behavior. The community, once a picture of hospitality, now faces a painful realization that even in the most trusted environments, privacy can be significantly compromised.
Through this ordeal, the Crespos have shown immense bravery in speaking out and standing firm against Riviere’s misconduct. Their actions reflect a meaningful step towards ensuring that the rental industry is held to higher standards of ethics and accountability.
