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Two families in Washington State have filed lawsuits against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), alleging that their young children were sexually abused in the 1980s by a high priest the church knew had a history of sexually abusing minors, KIRO 7 reported Friday.
The lawsuits claim that the LDS Church allowed the high priest continued access to children through his leadership role at a Seattle church and a church-run daycare, despite prior convictions and repeated red flags.
According to the legal complaints, the plaintiffs—a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old at the time—were sexually abused by the high priest during his service with the LDS Church. KIRO 7 is withholding the man’s name because some of his victims were family members and identifying him could reveal their identities.
“Despite Defendants’ knowledge, the Defendants failed to take reasonable steps to protect Plaintiffs from the danger of being sexually abused by [high priest],” the lawsuit states. “As a result, High Priest [name] was able to use his positions with Defendants to sexually abuse Plaintiffs.”
Church Leadership Allegedly Knew Since 1984
The lawsuits allege that church officials were aware of the high priest’s predatory behavior as early as 1984. Yet he continued to serve in a leadership role and maintained regular access to children.
According to the complaint, the man frequently placed young girls on his lap and touched them inappropriately. One of the parents reportedly witnessed the abuse firsthand. Another victim disclosed her abuse two years after it occurred. When her mother brought the allegation to a bishop and the accused high priest, the suit alleges the church dismissed the claim, even after the high priest admitted to a prior sexual abuse history.
Other church members shared similar misgivings after hearing about the incident. Another woman said her 4-year-old daughter had also been assaulted by the same high priest in 1983.
Though the bishop escalated the concerns to the local LDS stake president, the suit claims the church’s response was limited to an announcement that the high priest had been excommunicated.
Convictions Followed, But Alleged Abuse Continued on LDS Property
In March 1987, the high priest pleaded guilty to two counts of statutory rape. That September, he was again investigated by Seattle police for sexual abuse involving children on LDS property. One of the accusers in that investigation was a minor who had already reported abuse in the earlier case.
In 1988, the high priest pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent liberties; charges that directly involved conduct that occurred on LDS-owned property.
Families Seek Damages and Accountability
The parents of the two victims are seeking full monetary damages for special and general harm as determined at trial; legal costs, attorney’s fees, and pre- and post-judgment interest, and any additional relief the court deems just and appropriate under law or equity.
The lawsuits allege that the LDS Church’s failure to remove the high priest from positions of trust, even after repeated warnings and criminal history, amounted to negligence and willful disregard for child safety.
If you or someone you know was sexually abused within the LDS Church or by a clergy member, you are not alone. You may be eligible to file a claim and seek justice and receive possible compensation.
Learn more about LDS Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits.
You can also fill out the confidential, secure form below to receive a free case review.
