The abuse happened half a century ago, but the scars remain for two Yukon men who were sexually abused by a man they, and their community, trusted.

In 1996, Jerzy Maczinski pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a number of young boys during his tenure as a Department of Health and Social Services employee in Dawson City and Mayo.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison and sent to the Matsqui Penitentiary in B.C. Maczinski has since died, although it is not clear when.

Now two of his victims are suing the Canadian and Yukon governments, as well as two unnamed former Health and Social Services employees for failing to protect them from a known sexual predator.

The two men, whom the Star is not naming due to the nature of the crime committed against them, are in their 60s now. But according to a statement of claim filed in Yukon Supreme Court last week, they are still suffering from "physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual injuries.”

They were "repeatedly and persistently” abused by Maczinski from 1961 to 1964, according to their claim.

And during that time, Maczinski's department supervisors (and by association, the two levels of government) not only allowed but encouraged Maczinski to cultivate a "special prestige, trustworthiness and authority” over the children and families in the community.

The supervisors knew, or should have known, Maczinski had a history of preying on young boys, according to the men's claim, yet they failed to protect them.

The men's claim does not state how much money or what other forms of compensation they may be seeking.

A case management conference is scheduled for June 7.