Schauermann Thayer announced today that in May of this year a Clark County jury awarded $2 million to Nicolle Sheaves, a courageous sexual-assault survivor, in her case against Christopher Deege, and that the verdict is now final after the timeline for appeal has expired.
The lawsuit was filed after Ms. Sheaves connected decades-long struggles with trauma, communication issues, and family challenges to the abuse she suffered as a child.
In 1988, when Nicolle was only ten years old, her ex-stepfather, Christopher Deege, coerced her into undressing him, forced her to touch him, removed her clothing, and sexually assaulted her. Before she left the room, he told her, "Don’t tell Mom, this should just be between us."
Under Washington law, survivors of childhood sexual assault may bring claims within three years of discovering the link between the abuse and their harm. This law allowed Ms. Sheaves the opportunity to pursue justice more than thirty years after the assault.
During the trial, attorneys Scott Edwards and Sara Schirato of Schauermann Thayer presented evidence, including childhood photographs showing inappropriate contact, which contradicted Deege’s sworn denials. Deege was represented by Josephine Townsend and denied any wrongdoing. After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict, awarding Ms. Sheaves $2 million in damages.
Following the verdict, Ms. Sheaves stated, “This is the most freeing thing I could have ever imagined.”
The verdict represents more than a legal victory; it represents a turning point in Ms. Sheaves’s lifelong journey toward healing. For decades, she carried the weight of silence, believing her abuser would never face consequences. With this decision, the jury validated her truth in a public forum, affirming that her courage to come forward was not in vain.
“This verdict represents not only justice for Nicolle but hope for survivors everywhere who may feel silenced by shame or fear,” said Scott Edwards, partner at Schauermann Thayer. “The jury’s decision shows that these cases can be brought forward, even decades later, and that truth can prevail.”
Survivors across Washington and beyond can see this outcome as evidence that the justice system is increasingly willing to hear their voices, even decades after the fact.
Schauermann Thayer is proud to have stood alongside Nicolle Sheaves in her pursuit of justice, providing her with a platform to share her truth and the legal support necessary to achieve accountability. The attorneys and staff at Schauermann Thayer commend her courage and resilience and reaffirm their commitment to advocating for survivors whose voices have too often, and for too long been silenced.
Case Information
Nicolle Sheaves v. Christopher Deege, Superior Court Cause No. 23-2-00978-06. The jury returned a special verdict May 30, 2025.
About Schauermann Thayer
Founded in 1986, Schauermann Thayer is a Pacific Northwest trial firm dedicated to representing injured individuals and survivors of abuse throughout Washington and Oregon. From its office in Vancouver, the firm has built a reputation for securing justice and fair compensation for those harmed by negligence and wrongdoing. For more information, visit stlaw.com.
Media Contact
Joe Marchelewski
joe@aijcommunications.com
