$5.5 Million Settlement Resolves Black Butte Ranch Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Brought by 14 Former Employees

A $5.5 million civil settlement has resolved a lawsuit brought by 14 former employees of Black Butte Ranch who alleged years of sexual abuse, battery, and harassment by Glenn Michael Woosley, a longtime Robert’s Pub server and supervisor who had worked at the Ranch for nearly four decades. The lawsuit, originally filed in June 2024 in Deschutes County Circuit Court, sought $13.5 million in damages and grew to $19.5 million as four additional victims came forward, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 14.

The complaint alleged that Woosley, known around the resort as “Mr. Black Butte,” used his long-cultivated status and supervisory role to repeatedly grope, fondle, and make sexually explicit comments to subordinate employees during working hours. The lawsuit further alleged that management-level employees at Robert’s Pub and the Ranch’s human resources department were aware of Woosley’s conduct and failed to stop it — with at least one manager allegedly discouraging a victim from going to police. Woosley was ultimately arrested, and in 2022 entered a no-contest plea to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse and one count of harassment, for which he received 30 days in jail and 18 months of probation before being terminated by the Ranch. He is also facing charges of sexual abuse in the first degree. The trial is scheduled for next month.

Resolution of the case required an extraordinary step. Black Butte Ranch’s available insurance coverage was limited in amount and subject to a “wasting policy” — meaning that defense costs eroded the available funds as litigation progressed — leaving insufficient insurance proceeds to fully compensate the plaintiffs. To make the victims whole, Black Butte Ranch homeowners were asked to voluntarily contribute to the settlement. Approximately 90 percent of homeowners voted in favor of doing so, a remarkable show of community accountability that made resolution possible.

Kim Kohn, CMO of Black Butte Ranch contacted us to clarify the above statement: “To make the victims whole, Black Butte Ranch homeowners voted to cover the cost of the settlement primarily through a loan, which is to be repaid over the next five years through various Ranch revenue sources.“

“Our clients are grateful to finally have closure and to be moving forward with their lives. We also appreciate the Black Butte Ranch homeowners who stepped forward to help ensure these former employees were fairly compensated,” said Jason Kafoury, Attorney for Plaintiffs.

Brody Anderson listens as another man, who was a minor when he was allegedly sexually harassed by an employee of Black Butte Ranch, speaks during a press conference announcing a lawsuit against Black Butte Ranch and the employee at The Haven in Bend. Credit: Provided by Jason Kafoury

Because the available insurance coverage was limited and reduced by ongoing defense costs, additional funding was necessary to fully resolve the claims. Homeowners ultimately approved the contribution measure by an overwhelming margin, with more than 90% voting in favor.

Kim Kohn, CMO of Black Butte Ranch contacted us to clarify the above statement, “Homeowners ultimately approved the payment of the settlement via loan by an overwhelming margin, with more than 90% voting in favor.“

“I’m very proud of all our young clients who remained committed to holding these wealthy and powerful defendants accountable for the years of sexual abuse and trauma inflicted upon them. Each of them entrusted our legal team with their unique story of trauma, resilience and strength as we fought to achieve healing and justice,” said Christopher Larsen, Attorney for Plaintiffs.

Plaintiffs’ counsel expressed gratitude for the courage of the former employees who came forward, noting that several were minors at the time of the abuse and that some delayed reporting because prior complaints against Woosley had gone unaddressed. Attorneys for the plaintiffs had described the situation as “really a tragic situation,” while also acknowledging the willingness of Black Butte Ranch’s homeowner community to confront it directly. The case was handled by the Portland law firms of Kafoury & McDougal and Pickett Dummigan Weingart LLP.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.

This story has been updated to add remarks by Kim Kohn, CMO of Black Butte Ranch.