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A new lawsuit filed against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) claims that Church leaders knowingly allowed a convicted sex offender continued access to children within a Washington state congregation, resulting in the alleged abuse of multiple minors, ABC News 4 in Utah reported yesterday. The suit was filed on behalf of four survivors.
According to the complaint, David Herget was a high priest in the Mountlake Ward when he was convicted in 1993 of sexually assaulting a minor family member. Despite this history, the lawsuit alleges that senior Church members later supported his early release and that, after serving just 180 days of a seven-year sentence, he was eventually permitted to rejoin Church activities.
Return to Church Life
The complaint claims that even before Herget’s supervision period ended in 2001, he attended services and resumed limited responsibilities within the congregation. It further alleges that Church officials were aware of his interactions with children during this time, including volunteer roles that provided him proximity to youth.
Court documents state that in 2002, Herget was re-baptized after his excommunication, and by 2004, his prior position of authority within the Church had been restored. Attorneys argue that this reinstatement violated reasonable safeguards and placed children at risk.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
In July 2005, Herget was arrested in Snohomish County, Washington, on multiple felony charges related to child sexual exploitation and abuse. According to the lawsuit, he died while in custody later that month.
The legal complaint filed by survivors—identified as “Roe 1” through “Roe 4”—alleges that the LDS Church’s failure to enforce protective measures or properly supervise Herget allowed the abuse to continue for years. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages for the physical and emotional harm they endured.
Attorneys representing the survivors said in a joint statement that the case aims to hold institutions accountable for allowing previously convicted individuals to regain positions of trust and access to children.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not yet issued a public response to the lawsuit.
Related Story:
Washington Families Sue LDS Church Over Child Sexual Abuse at Seattle-Area Site
For Survivors of LDS Church Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know experienced sexual abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you still have legal rights. Survivors are coming forward nationwide to seek accountability and justice.
Visit our LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide to learn more about your options and how an experienced attorney can help protect your rights.
