You Are Not Alone: As a Survivor of LDS Church Abuse, You May Have Legal Options
Religious institutions are meant to offer safety, community, and faith. But for many abuse survivors, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the LDS or Mormon Church) became a source of trauma and betrayal. When you are ready to share your story, we can explain how a Mormon Church sexual abuse lawsuit works and what you might expect if you decide to pursue legal action.
At File Abuse Lawsuit, we represent survivors of sexual abuse with compassion, strength, and focus. Our firm is exclusively dedicated to these cases. If you or a loved one experienced abuse involving a Mormon Church leader, volunteer, or program, we are here to help you understand your rights and take the first step toward justice and healing.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve accountability. And you don’t have to carry this burden alone.
Why Survivors Are Filing Lawsuits Against the LDS Church Now
In recent years, a growing number of survivors have come forward to report abuse tied to Mormon Church institutions, including bishops, missionaries, youth leaders, and other trusted figures.
Many of these lawsuits allege not only abuse but systemic cover-ups by the LDS Church. This includes:
- Using a confidential Church “helpline” to shield abusers from law enforcement
- Reassigning known offenders to new congregations
- Pressuring survivors to stay silent to “protect the Church”
- Failing to remove abusers from leadership roles, even after receiving complaints
Survivors also describe harmful Church practices like worthiness interviews, where minors—often girls—were asked intrusive sexual questions by male bishops in private settings.
Today, changes in the law are giving survivors new opportunities to come forward. In several states, lookback window laws have temporarily reopened the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits, even if the abuse happened years or decades ago. And across the country, survivors are filing individual claims that shine a light on the institutional failures that allowed abuse to happen and continue unchecked.
LDS Sex Abuse Lawsuit Updates
Dolman Law Group, the owner of FileAbuseLawsuit.com, has played a major role in holding the LDS church accountable for the sexual grooming, abuse, and assault of children due to their negligence. Recently, we have filed several major lawsuits against the Mormon Church, and we want to use this section to keep you updated on the cases we are filing. But more importantly, we want to keep you updated on any news or changes in the state of the overall Mormon Sexual Abuse Lawsuits.
October 14, 2025 - Lawsuit Filed Against LDS Church Over Known Child Abuser Given Access to Children
Lawsuit Filed Over Mountlake Ward Child Abuse
Dolman Law Group has filed a lawsuit in King County, Washington, accusing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) of knowingly enabling the sexual abuse of several children at the Mountlake Ward in the early 2000s.
The suit centers on David Herget, a convicted rapist, whom the Church not only allowed back into their fold but also elevated to a position of power over children.
Herget's History and Reinstatement
According to court filings, Herget was convicted in 1993 of raping his own daughter. He served just six months of a seven-year sentence. At the time, Church leadership reportedly pushed for leniency and made efforts to support him.
He was excommunicated, but that clearly didn't last. Despite being a registered sex offender and still under state supervision, Herget was back attending services in Mountlake by 2001.
By 2002, he was officially reinstated as a member. Two years later, the Church made him a High Priest—a role that placed him in direct contact with children.
The Alleged Abuse
What followed is the subject of this new lawsuit. Herget allegedly abused multiple boys between 2001 and 2005. The victims were as young as five.
The complaint outlines disturbing accounts that mirror each other in chilling detail: grooming, isolation, pornography, and sexual assault.
Access and Knowledge of Church Leaders
Herget's return wasn't quiet or behind the scenes. He handed out candy-stuffed special church programs to boys on Sundays—right in front of Church leaders. He regularly invited boys to work at his home, unsupervised. And no one intervened.
In fact, documents suggest his actions were known to both the ward's Bishop and the Stake President.
One particularly disturbing account describes how Herget visited a sick five-year-old boy at home to give him the candy he missed in church. The child, left alone with Herget, was allegedly abused during that visit. That boy is listed in the lawsuit as John Doe #2.
His older brother, John Doe #1, says he was abused for four years straight—lured in with pornographic materials and forced into sex acts. John Does #3 and #4 tell similar stories. Each boy says the abuse happened both at Herget's home and on Church property.
The Lawsuit's Focus
The lawsuit states the LDS Church was fully aware of Herget's history and still placed him in situations where he had free rein with children.
In high-control institutions like the LDS Church, internal reporting is often prioritized over law enforcement involvement. Survivors say this environment fostered silence and fear—kids knew that speaking up wouldn't remove the predator. It might just make life harder.
Dolman Law Group says this wasn't just a mistake; it was a systemic failure.
"The LDS Church gave a known predator the keys to the kingdom," said attorney Stan Gipe. "And now, these men are left carrying scars that could've been prevented."
The firm is seeking damages for the four named plaintiffs and continues to investigate the possibility of additional victims. They are calling for accountability—not just from Herget, but from the institution that gave him access to children in the first place.
Can Abuse Survivors Sue the Mormon Church for Sexual Abuse?
Yes. Survivors of abuse involving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the legal right to file a civil lawsuit—not only against individual abusers, but also against the Church itself for enabling, concealing, or failing to act on reports of abuse.
Our experienced Mormon Church sexual abuse lawyers can help you:
- Investigate patterns of misconduct, including how the Church handled past complaints
- Identify all responsible parties, from individual abusers to bishops and Church leadership
- Protect your privacy by filing your lawsuit anonymously if allowed in your state
- Navigate changing laws, including lookback windows in statutes of limitations that may allow older claims to move forward
- Pursue full compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve endured
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, we’re here to listen—without judgment, and always in confidence. It doesn’t cost a penny to learn more about your personal rights during a free consultation.
How the LDS Church Is Quietly Settling Sexual Abuse Claims
Hundreds of sexual abuse claims against the Mormon Church are being resolved, but not in court. The church has decided to deal with the large volume of abuse claims by settling them behind closed doors.
In recent years, the LDS Church has opted to settle cases through a private, confidential process. Survivors, through their legal teams, submit detailed case inventories directly to Church representatives. If a claim is considered credible, settlement discussions begin without a judge, jury, or any public record.
Although hundreds of claims have been filed, there is currently no class action or MDL (multidistrict litigation) against the LDS Church. Instead, individual lawsuits are being filed in the states where abuse occurred. While the process lacks transparency, survivors who have skilled legal representation may be able to secure meaningful compensation while avoiding the trauma of a public trial.
If you’re considering legal action, it’s critical to speak with a lawyer familiar with how these private resolutions work and who can advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Who Can File a Lawsuit Against the LDS Church?
You may be eligible to file a claim if:
- You were sexually abused by a Church leader, volunteer, or member of the LDS Church
- The abuse occurred during a Church-affiliated program or in connection with a Church role
- The Church failed to report or address the abuse
- You were pressured to remain silent, or your complaints were ignored
Even if the abuse happened years or decades ago, you may still have legal options. Some states have passed statutes of limitations lookback window laws that give survivors the right to file lawsuits, even after the normal legal filing deadlines have passed.
You don’t need a police report or to have told anyone before. Your story matters to us, and with it, we can take the first step toward justice.
What Counts as Sexual Abuse in the Mormon Church?
Sexual abuse doesn’t always leave physical marks, but its emotional and psychological impact can last a lifetime. Within the context of the LDS Church, abuse can take many forms and often involves a violation of trust, power, or spiritual authority.
Examples of abuse or misconduct may include:
- Inappropriate touching, fondling, or groping
- Sexual comments, grooming, or manipulation
- Coercion into sexual acts using power or authority
- Exposure to sexual content or indecent exposure
- Exploitation of vulnerability, including age, disability, or emotional dependence
- Rape or attempted rape
Survivors often hesitate to come forward because they were silenced, not believed, or made to feel responsible. If someone in a position of religious authority made you feel unsafe, coerced, or violated in any way, your experience is valid, and you deserve to be heard.
What to Expect if You Bring a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against the LDS Church
Filing a civil lawsuit for clergy sexual abuse can be emotionally challenging, but with the right legal team, you don’t have to go through it alone. At File Abuse Lawsuit, we handle every detail so you can focus less on legal details and more on healing.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
1. Confidential Consultation
You’ll speak privately with a survivor-focused attorney who can answer your questions, review your situation, and explain your legal options.
2. Evidence Collection
We gather any documentation that supports your case, including Church records, witness testimony, medical or counseling records, and other proof of abuse or mishandling.
3. Anonymous Filing (If Allowed)
In many states, you can file your lawsuit under a pseudonym to protect your identity. We’ll help you determine if that’s an option for you.
4. Settlement Negotiations or Litigation
Most claims involving the Mormon Church are resolved outside of court. We’ll advocate for the maximum compensation possible, and if your case does go to trial, we’ll stand with you every step of the way.
Throughout the entire process, your privacy, safety, and emotional well-being are our top priorities.
What Compensation Is Available to Abuse Survivors?
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of sexual abuse, financial compensation can help you access the resources you need to heal and move forward.
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical and therapy costs for trauma-related care
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
- Lost income due to the abuse’s impact on your work or education
- Future treatment and support services
- Punitive damages in cases where the Church’s negligence was especially severe
If your abuse was ignored, covered up, or enabled by Church officials, a civil lawsuit gives you a path to seek justice and to protect others from going through what you endured.
Why Choose the File Abuse Lawsuit Team for Your Mormon Church Abuse Case?
We understand how hard it can be to speak up — especially when your abuser was part of a trusted religious institution like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At File Abuse Lawsuit, we’re here to listen, believe you, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Survivor-Focused Representation:
Our practice is entirely devoted to sexual abuse cases. We don’t just understand the law — we understand the courage it takes to pursue justice. - Compassionate Legal Support:
You’ll never be treated like just another case. We treat every survivor with dignity and care, offering a safe, respectful space to share your story. - Experience with Religious Abuse Cases:
We know how to build strong cases against large institutions, including churches that have denied or hidden abuse. - Your Privacy is Protected:
Many of our clients file anonymously. We’ll take every possible step to protect your identity and personal information. - No Fees Unless We Recover Compensation For You:
You don’t pay us anything unless we recover financial damages on your behalf.
You deserve legal advocates who will put your needs first and who won’t back down from holding powerful institutions accountable.
Contact Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation
You are not at fault for the abuse you survived and you have legal rights to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If you experienced sexual abuse connected to the LDS Church, you may have a legal right to pursue justice and compensation. Even if the abuse happened years ago, changes in the law may now allow you to file a claim.
At File Abuse Lawsuit, we offer:
- Free, no-obligation case reviews
- Private consultations with survivor-focused attorneys
- Compassionate, confidential guidance through every step of the process
Call (209) 935-3314 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About LDS Church Abuse Lawsuits
Can I sue the Mormon Church for abuse that happened decades ago?
Yes. Many states have passed "look-back" laws that modify their statutes of limitations and allow older claims to be filed. Speak with our attorneys to find out if your case qualifies.
Will my identity be made public?
Not necessarily. In many cases, survivors can file under a pseudonym such as "Jane Doe" or "John Doe" to protect their privacy.
Do I need a police report to file a civil lawsuit?
No. While a police report can help, it’s not required to pursue a civil claim. Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal cases.
What if the church already knew about the abuse but did nothing?
If you reported your abuse in the past, but the church did nothing to help you, it may strengthen your case. Many lawsuits argue that the LDS Church failed to act or actively covered up reports of abuse.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
There’s no up-front cost to you, and we don’t get paid unless we recover compensation for you. We work on a contingency basis and cover all legal expenses up front so you have no additional financial burden while pursuing your legal rights against the Mormon Church.
Respected Support Resources for Survivors
As an abuse survivor, please know, you are never alone. These national organizations offer support, counseling, and crisis assistance:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 24/7 hotline at 800-656-HOPE
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 24/7 support at 800-4-A-CHILD
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- The Wings Foundation: Support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse at wingsfound.org
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 911. Otherwise, to learn more about yoru legal options, reach out to the File Abuse Lawsuit team today
You are not alone. We stand with you to seek justice and accountability.