Ex-exotic dancer awarded $3.9M in sexual assault lawsuit

A jury has awarded a former exotic dancer $3.9 million in a sexual assault lawsuit against a Colorado rancher.

The Denver Post reports the victim, Amanda Wilson, says last week’s verdict was a victory for all sexual assault victims.

According to the lawsuit, Wilson met Johnathan Pauling, owner of a Stoneham ranch, in 2012 when she was working as an exotic dancer in Denver. They formed a romantic relationship, and Pauling hired Wilson to work for his companies.

The suit says the sexual assault occurred in Wilson’s home after the couple had broken up. Neighbors had intervened and restrained Pauling until police arrived.

Pauling was initially charged with felony sexual assault, but his charge was reduced to unlawful sexual contact, a misdemeanor.

Pauling and his attorney couldn’t be reached for comment.