Oregon Public Broadcasting

A Portland jury has ordered the Boy Scouts of America to pay $18.5 million in punitive damages in a sex abuse lawsuit.

It is believed to be the largest award ever granted by a jury in a sex-abuse lawsuit against the organization.

Kerry Lewis was the plaintiff in the case.  The jury heard his account of being molested by an assistant scoutmaster in the 1980s.  

Lewis spoke to reporters for the first time Friday, after the punitive damage award was announced.  He urged other victims of abuse in scouting to come forward.

Kerry Lewis: "Take that first step.  Reach out, ask for help.  Whether it's a counselor or lawyer or therapist, anybody.  Just ask for help, and you'll get it.  Don't be scared.  Even though it is scary."

The punitive damages are in addition to $1.4 million the jury awarded to Lewis in compensatory damages.

That came after jurors found the Scouts were negligent for failing to prevent Lewis' abuse.