Four Connecticut Theaters Settle Lawsuits Related to Abuse of Teen Participants

 Posted on August 11, 2025 in Firm News

Bridgeport, CT — Four community theaters have agreed to pay settlements to three young women.

"The matter was settled to the mutual satisfaction of the parties and the terms are confidential," said Attorney Jason Tremont and Attorney Tim Ramsey of Tremont Sheldon P.C., who represented the three women.

The lawsuits, filed in Connecticut Superior Court in Waterbury, named Naugatuck Teen Theater, Landmark Community Theatre in Thomaston, Warner Theatre in Torrington, and the Thomaston Opera House. The plaintiffs claimed the abuse occurred during their involvement in youth and community theater programs between 2009 and 2016.

Civil Lawsuit Led to Criminal Charges

The civil lawsuits played a crucial role in bringing renewed attention to the allegations. Although initial investigations by police departments had concluded without arrests, the civil proceedings prompted law enforcement to reopen the cases after the civil deposition of Daniel Checovetes.

During a deposition in the lawsuit case, Checovetes admitted to sexually assaulting two of the women in 2015 and 2016.

"As a practicing attorney for over 30 years who handles sex abuse cases for minor victims, it is highly unusual for a perpetrator to admit to having sexual relations with minors — usually they deny it or plead the Fifth," Tremont said.

He was later arrested and, in March 2025, sentenced to 8.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the abuse.