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A trio of investigative updates from Floodlit.org link the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) to decades of child sexual abuse and cover-ups in Oregon. These updates continue to demonstrate how church leaders not only failed to report known predators but also quietly paid hundreds of thousands—if not millions—in legal settlements and defense costs.
$1.26 Million in Newly Uncovered Legal Costs
Floodlit.org recently uncovered a 2003 letter from the LDS Church’s Director of Risk Management, Paul Rytting, revealing that the church spent more than $1.26 million to settle and defend against three child sex abuse claims. Rytting referred to “gentleman’s agreements” with top officials in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), asking them to cover at least half of the church’s expenses. The church claimed these settlements were necessary due to Oregon’s “incredibly liberal statute of limitations” and feared jury awards could reach several million dollars. The revelations include an admission that rising BSA registration fees in the 1980s and 1990s helped offset insurance premiums driven in part by LDS abuse claims.
The Edwin Dyer Cover-Up
Floodlit also reports that LDS leaders allowed scoutmaster Edwin Ellis Dyer to quietly resign despite knowing he had molested multiple boys over nearly three decades. The church never informed law enforcement. Dyer, a Mormon church member in Oregon, was eventually shot and killed in 1986 by one of his victims. The church later paid $200,000 to settle one victim’s civil claim and spent over $58,000 in legal defense fees.
Judge Shields Accused Abuser From Church-Related Deposition
In a separate but related case, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Souede ruled last month that disgraced physician and LDS stake high council member Dr. David Farley could not be compelled to testify about his ties to the church. Farley is being sued by over 150 women and girls for alleged sexual abuse under the guise of medical care. Plaintiffs argue that some of these assaults occurred while Farley held church leadership roles. Though sources confirm Farley taught Sunday school and served in leadership positions, the judge ruled that Farley’s Fifth Amendment rights protect him from being forced to discuss his religious affiliations under oath.
Are You Or A Loved One An LDS Church Sexual Abuse Victim?
If you or someone you love was abused by a Mormon Church leader, teacher, or scoutmaster, you are not alone—and you may still have legal options, even decades later. Visit SurvivorsRights.com’s Mormon Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide to understand your rights, learn about major cases and recent settlements, and take the first step toward justice.
