Mormon church sexual abuse lawyer

What is Religious Abuse?

Religious organizations benefit from helping people and spreading good deeds and words. Religious organizations focus on spiritual, emotional, and religious growth.

Some people take advantage of others through predatory and abusive behavior in religious settings, including in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, popularly called the Mormon Church.

Religious abuse is the use of religious ideas to control or manipulate through intimidation. It can be any occasion in which religion or religious beliefs are present as abusive behaviors occur.

The abuse revolving around religious institutions and their members or leaders has vast consequences for abuse survivors. Survivors of religious abuse have rights and can get justice for the abuse they endured and the effects that have resulted. To pursue legal action is an act of immense courage that can have far-reaching positive impacts and help to ensure others are protected in the future.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Types of Religious Abuse

Types of Religious Abuse includeReligious abuse cases range from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, child abuse, and all other types of abuse.

According to a study titled Religion-Related Child Physical Abuse, some religion-based physical abuse has longer psychological effects than non-religion-related physical abuse.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse often involves members of the staff or other members of the church using punitive measures, excessive force, or unnecessary physical restraints. Physical injuries and long-term psychological trauma may manifest for the survivors.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse comprises threats, verbal assault, humiliation, isolation, and other psychological tactics to exert control over an individual. Emotional abuse affects a survivor's mental health, identity, and confidence.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse includes unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, and exploitation by staff members or other members associated with the church. Sexual abuse often presents far-reaching emotional and psychological harm, requiring years of healing and recovery.

Effects of religious abuse

According to B.L. Bottom, et al., Religion-Related Child Maltreatment: A Profile of Cases Encountered by Legal and Social Service Agencies consequences vary depending on the abuse and the situation. Many survivors of religious abuse report depression, suicidal ideation, phobias, social withdrawal, inappropriate aggression, and dissociative disorders due to the abuse.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Faces Abuse Accusations

Many churches have processes and procedures within their organization to report abuse incidents.

For example, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defines abuse as “the mistreatment or neglect of others in a way that causes physical, emotional, or sexual harm.”

The church explains that “abuse cannot be tolerated in any form” and it promotes the prevention of abuse and the protection and support of survivors. Additionally, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website states, “Reports of abuse should never be dismissed. Everyone should respond with compassion and sensitivity toward victims and their families. Those affected by abuse need to be heard and supported.”

The church includes the possibility of abuse and its violation of societal laws: they encourage reporting abuse to the civil authorities. The church recognizes that church members and leaders must adhere to all legal obligations to report abuse.

The church acknowledges the consequences of mind, body, and spirit that occur after the trauma of abuse, noting “feelings of confusion, doubt, guilt, shame, mistrust, and fear.”

The church outwardly acknowledges the issues of abuse and their stance on it is clear, and many people within the church have good intentions. Nevertheless, time and time again, the church has fallen short, and allowed sexual abuse to continue, either through negligence or active coverups of wrongdoing on the part of its officials.

Long History of Silence [Timeline]

The 1970s: Cover-Ups, Silence, and the Case of Daniel Montoya

The 1970s saw a grim period for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) regarding sexual abuse. At that time, these topics remained off-limits in religious groups. The church opted to handle issues internally, suppressing allegations to shield its image.

A case that remained hidden for many years involved Daniel Montoya. In 2014, authorities finally arrested him for offenses he had carried out back in the 1970s. Montoya was a respected church member in California, but behind closed doors, he was abusing children who were members of the same church. The victims stated that they did not come forward at first due to embarrassment.

Even decades later, the case of Carl Matthew Johnson is another haunting reminder of the failures of that era. Johnson, a former mayor in Utah and a Mormon bishop during the 70s, faced accusations of child sexual abuse spanning many years. His case, much like that of Daniel Montoya, sheds light on the church’s long history of mishandling abuse allegations. The organization often appeared to care more about safeguarding its image than helping victims, which allowed abusers to keep harming others without consequences.

In the 1970s, church higher-ups made the calls on how to handle these issues even though they lacked proper training to deal with abuse cases. Rather than involving law enforcement, they quietly shuffled accused individuals to new congregations—effectively giving them fresh opportunities to offend. This culture of secrecy and internal handling created the perfect conditions for abuse to persist, and many victims never saw justice.

The truth didn't come to light until victims began speaking up years later. Montoya’s arrest was just one of many cases that showed how the church’s policies in the 1970s failed to protect its most vulnerable members. And while the LDS Church has since made changes, many survivors argue that the damage from those decades of silence still lingers today.

The 1980s: Allegations, Cover-Ups, and the Struggle for Accountability

The 1980s saw more allegations of sexual abuse within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) come to light. One disturbing claim involved Brenda and Richard Miles—family members of Russell M. Nelson, who later became the church’s president.

In a lawsuit filed in 2018, multiple individuals claimed that back in the early ’80s, the Mileses had hosted “touching parties” in Bountiful, Utah, where young children, some just a year old, were allegedly abused. The lawsuit also accused church leaders, including Elder Neil A. Maxwell told victims to "forgive and forget" instead of notifying the police about these crimes. Survivors argued that if the church had acted differently, the abuse could have been prevented.

The Mileses rejected all claims labeling them untrue and insulting. They highlighted that police had looked into the accusations many years before and uncovered no proof against them. In 1986, they both underwent lie detector tests, which they claimed supported their innocence. The church also dismissed the lawsuit’s claims, stating that safeguarding children has always been crucial and denying any suggestions of hiding information.

In the early 1980s, McKenna Denson accused Joseph Bishop—the man in charge of the LDS Church’s Missionary Training Center in Provo—of raping her during a private meeting. She says it happened in a basement room at the MTC and that she reported it to church leaders multiple times over the years. Still, nothing happened. Fast forward to 2018, and Denson filed a lawsuit against both Bishop and the Church, accusing them of not only the assault but also covering it up. Bishop denied the rape but admitted to behaving inappropriately during his time in leadership.

Looking back, it’s clear that this decade set the tone for what would later explode into bigger lawsuits and public attention. The way the Church responded to abuse back then became a major issue in the years that followed.

The 1990s: Lawsuits and Accountability

The LDS Church faced serious legal issues over its handling of sexual abuse cases by the 1990s. For years, leaders dealt with these problems behind closed doors, but this changed as more survivors spoke up. A key case from this period began in 1998 when Jeremiah Scott filed a lawsuit against Franklin Curtis, a man with a known history of sexual misconduct, claiming he abused him as a child. The church ignored the problem instead of warning families or taking action, which allowed Curtis to harm more people. In 2001, after years of legal battles, the church agreed to a $3 million settlement—one of the first big payouts of its kind.

Another shocking case involved Jessica and Ashley Cavalieri, two sisters from Washington state who suffered abuse in the 1990s. They later claimed church officials knew about the abuse but didn't intervene. In 2005, a jury granted them $4.2 million, although part of that sum was later reduced. Nonetheless, the case made it clear—victims were speaking up, and the church could no longer deal with these issues in secret.

These lawsuits compelled the LDS Church to reconsider its approach to abuse allegations. For the first time, the church faced real legal consequences, and the pressure grew. Though the church updated its policies, many victims felt these changes came too late.

The 2000s: Scandals, Lawsuits, and a Church Under Fire

The 2000s marked a crucial shift for the LDS Church and its offshoots. More sexual abuse cases came to light resulting in lawsuits, arrests, and public outrage. For years, these issues had been dealt with quietly, but now, they were making headlines—and the church was being forced to respond.

Bishop Timothy McCleve's Convictions (2008-2011)

In 2008, Timothy McCleve, a bishop in the LDS Church, pleaded guilty to molesting children in his congregation. The court sentenced him to serve up to 15 years behind bars, but the matter didn't conclude there. In 2011, another survivor spoke out, which led to extra charges and an even harsher sentence. His case highlighted again how church officials in trusted roles could exploit vulnerable individuals.

The YFZ Ranch Raid (2008)

The Fundamentalist LDS Church (FLDS), a polygamous offshoot of mainstream Mormonism, found itself at the center of one of the decade's biggest scandals. Texas law enforcement raided the Yearning for Zion (YFZ) Ranch in April 2008 after someone reported child abuse and forced marriages involving young girls. The compound, hidden in a remote part of Texas, was home to hundreds of FLDS members who followed Warren Jeffs, the group's self-proclaimed prophet and leader.

The raid revealed shocking proof of widespread abuse. The state took over 400 children into its care, and investigators discovered records showing girls as young as 12 forced to enter "spiritual marriages" with older men. DNA tests later proved that Jeffs had children with underage wives. The court cases that followed resulted in many convictions, including Jeffs himself, who got life in prison for assaulting minors.

Elissa Wall's Testimony Against Warren Jeffs (2007)

Elissa Wall's story became a symbol of the awful things happening in the FLDS Church. The church made her marry her 19-year-old cousin when she was 14, suffering abuse for years before she got away. In 2007, she testified against Warren Jeffs, the powerful FLDS leader who set up these forced marriages. Her bravery helped convict him, proving that even the highest-ranking figures in these groups weren’t untouchable.

The 2000s forced the LDS Church and its offshoots to finally deal with the increased scrutiny about how they handled abuse cases.The days of quietly covering up allegations were coming to an end as survivors stepped forward and demanded justice. While the church made some changes, the damage caused in previous decades still cast a long shadow.

The 2010s: Abuse Comes to Light and Pressure Mounts for Accountability

In the 2010s, more survivors of abuse within the LDS Church began to speak out—and this time, people listened. Social media, changing cultural views, and increased demands for transparency made it tougher for organizations to keep these stories under wraps. The Church, dealing with claims privately and within its own walls for decades, now faced public pressure like never before. Each new case didn’t just point to one person’s wrongdoing—it sparked serious questions about the structures and rules that had long failed to shield the defenseless.

Lon Kennard Sr. Case

In 2010, Lon Kennard Sr.—a former bishop in the LDS Church—was charged with a staggering 43 felonies tied to child sexual abuse and exploitation. He later pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and received three consecutive five-to-life prison terms. Even more disturbing, some of his victims were his own adopted daughters.

Michael Jensen Case

Then in 2013, Michael Jensen—a young man from a well-known Mormon family in West Virginia—was arrested while serving a mission in Arizona. He was brought back to face multiple accusations of sexually abusing children. Jensen was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 35 to 75 years behind bars and was designated as a "violent sexual predator" by the presiding judge.

Todd Mitchell Edwards Case

That same year, Todd Mitchell Edwards, an LDS bishop in Menifee, California, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to abusing two teenage girls in his congregation. He admitted to two felony charges, including sexual battery and penetration with a foreign object. A charge of witness intimidation was dismissed as part of a plea agreement after Edwards initially pleaded not guilty.

How the Church Responded in the 2010s

In the wake of several high-profile abuse cases during the 2010s, the LDS Church began to take a closer look at how it was handling things. One big shift? Leaders and members were required to go through specific training on how to recognize and respond to abuse. The message was clear: don’t keep it quiet—report it to the proper authorities.

The church also rolled out a helpline, giving bishops and other leaders a direct line to legal and clinical experts when allegations came up. The idea was to make sure they were following the law and doing right by the people affected.

That said, not everyone was convinced this was enough. Some felt that real change would only come with more transparency and outside oversight—basically, not just letting the church police itself. So while the moves made in the 2010s marked some progress, there was still plenty of conversation about how far they really went.

The 2020s: Courtroom Battles and Shifting Accountability

This past decade has brought some heavy, long-overdue reckonings when it comes to how abuse cases are handled in and around the LDS Church. One of the most staggering stories came out of Riverside, California, in 2023. A woman—going by Jane Doe—was awarded $2.28 billion in a civil lawsuit after years of being sexually abused by her stepfather. According to court documents, she told multiple church members, including a bishop, what was going on. But instead of going to the police, they focused on forgiveness and repentance, leaving her vulnerable and unheard for years.

Then there were the lawsuits filed in Arizona back in 2020. Seven different cases accused the LDS Church of covering up decades of sexual abuse tied to Boy Scouts troops the church sponsored. These weren’t small, isolated incidents. The allegations were serious enough that the church eventually agreed to put about $250 million toward a settlement fund—acknowledging, at least financially, its role in what happened.

And if you followed YouTube family vlogging over the past few years, you might’ve heard about Ruby Franke. She built a huge following with her “8 Passengers” channel, where everything looked neat and perfect on camera. But in 2023, things unraveled fast. Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were both sentenced to prison after shocking details came out about their treatment of Franke’s children– like starvation and serious physical harm.

These cases don’t paint the whole picture, but they’ve definitely pushed conversations about responsibility, justice, and change to the forefront. Survivors are speaking louder, lawsuits are hitting harder, and the expectation that silence protects no one is becoming impossible to ignore.

Where Can Abuse Happen?

Abuse can happen anywhere at any time in any place. Abuse can occur in a place that is supposed to be a safe space and even a holy or sacred space.

Unfortunately, humans abuse fellow humans regardless of religious or moral teachings of mutual respect and love.

Religious organizations that have experienced abuse lawsuits include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Catholic Church, The Church of Scientology, The Southern Baptist Church, and Protestant Christian churches, among other religious organizations.

Common perpetrators

Abuse in religious settings can be perpetrated by various individuals in positions of authority and, commonly, the survivor knows the abuser. These individuals can be anyone in the church:

Religious leaders or teachers
Educational staff
Supervisors and administrative staff
Maintenance staff
Volunteers or other members of the religious group

Selected LDS Church cases

Not to be confused with the Fundamentalist Church and the Warren Jeffs case, the Chuch of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints has a long list of completely separate abuse cases, and recently, sexual abuse cases have resurfaced.

To give just two examples:

A woman from Riverside, California, received justice after years of enduring her stepfather’s sexual abuse of her at church functions, while allegedly local LDS church leaders and her mother knew of the abuse. The jury awarded $836 million in damages and $1.44 billion (not likely to ever be fully paid out, but a win regardless). Although the church denied wrongdoing, it settled at $1 million, and the woman's mother settled for $200,000.
In Saratoga Springs, Utah, an LDS man serving as a missionary was arrested on suspicion of rape and sodomy of a woman.

Rights of survivors

Survivors of religious abuse have legal rights and protections under various federal and state laws. These laws commonly include statutes of limitations which are written laws passed by legislative bodies that provide timeframes within which survivors can file lawsuits.

The Right to Report Abuse: Survivors can report abuse to law enforcement, organization officials, child welfare agencies, or the court system. It is essential to document incidents thoroughly to provide support for any future legal action.
The Right to Medical and Mental Health Care: Survivors have the right to receive ongoing medical and mental health care, which includes but is not limited to counseling and sexual healthcare resources.
The Right to Legal Action: Civil legal action can be taken against individual abusers or institutions that fail to protect others, address possible or known risks, and properly supervise staff. Legal action includes filing for compensation of physical, psychological, and economic damages, and holding institutions responsible for damages accountable to prevent continued incidents of abuse.

What to do if you or a loved one experiences abuse

Experiencing abuse is traumatic and complex; and it can cause intense feelings of shame, guilt, and loneliness, but survivors have the right and the ability to seek justice. Know that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you.

Even if you are unsure about filing a lawsuit, after instances of abuse, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from further instances that include proper reporting and documentation, notifying proper authorities, and accessing reputable legal counsel to discuss your case.

Report the Abuse

When you feel comfortable, report abuse to the officials within the institution or facility to create initial documentation. Report abuse to law enforcement so they may investigate, create an incident report, and take action against the abuser. This may be. If a child is involved, please report the abuse to state or local child welfare agencies. These agencies are required to investigate reports of child abuse. Contact an attorney with experience with religious abuse cases. They can guide you on what steps to take next.

Create a Documentation File

Collect evidence and documentation such as incident reports filed within the facility or with law enforcement. If physical injuries resulted from the abuse, medical records should be gathered in the file. Collect witness statements from fellow church members or staff who saw the abuse take place. Preserve all physical evidence like clothing or personal items. Take photos or videos of injuries and abuse.

Access Medical and Mental Health Care Immediately

Seek professional medical attention for any injuries sustained. Inform hospital personnel of sexual abuse and request a forensic medical exam to medically document evidence of sexual abuse. Ask for a counselor referral. Continue medical and mental health care to manage injuries and cope with trauma. Access crisis intervention services and resources for abuse survivors.

Seek Legal Help

Attorneys can provide legal guidance, explain legal rights, help gather evidence, and build a strong case against the abusers and the institution. They can file a civil lawsuit for compensation of damages and can hold an individual or the institution accountable. Criminal charges may be filed.

Access to Survivor Resources

Survivors have many resources available to them, and all survivors must know they aren’t alone and the abuse is in no way their fault. Free resources are available for abuse survivors and their loved ones.

We’ve compiled a list of a few to help you:

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides counselor support, live chat for abuse questions, and child abuse reporting information.
The National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) offers training to advocates for survivors by providing the best professional care possible.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline provided by RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) provides confidential 24/7 support in the form of an online chat hotline or hotline. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) for support.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center serves survivors and friends and family of survivors by connecting them to additional resources and by providing education to the public about sexual violence.
The Wings Foundation focuses on helping “adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse transcend trauma and lead their fullest, healthiest lives.”
Planned Parenthood offers medical care to survivors by providing emergency contraceptives, pregnancy testing, and STD testing. HIV services and mental health care are available through Planned Parenthood.

How an attorney can help you

Evaluate the case: An attorney begins by evaluating case details, specifically the way the abuse occurred, the extent of the abuse, and the available evidence.
Gather Evidence: To build an iron-clad case, legal teams gather critical evidence, such as medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and photos and video footage.
File the Lawsuit: A lawyer can file a lawsuit within the appropriate court and manage all legal proceedings such as motions, discovery, and trial prep for clients. Survivors can file lawsuits directly against individuals who were abusive to you and your loved ones. A survivor may choose to target the institution and its negligence for failure to implement safety procedures, supervise staff, or address known risks. If the negligence of an institution substantially contributed to the abuse, the institution can be liable.
Guidance, Support, and Advocacy: During the legal process, a lawyer guides survivors by educating them about their rights. Additionally, your legal team will ensure that you maintain your privacy during this process, and your attorney will advocate fiercely for fair compensation and a fair outcome for damages suffered.

Schedule A Free Consultation

Steps to file a lawsuit

Once you decide to file a lawsuit, your lawyer will complete the following steps:

Initial Consultation: Speak or meet with an attorney to discuss your case and discuss the best legal strategy for your case.
Investigation: Your attorney investigates the abuse claims by gathering relevant documentation and evidence to create a solid case.
Filing the Formal Complaint: An attorney drafts and files a formal complaint with the court, describing the allegations and the damages sought by the plaintiff.
Discovery: An exchange of evidence and information through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests occurs between parties involved.
Settlement Negotiations: Often, cases are resolved through settlements. The lawyer negotiates with the defendant(s) to secure a fair settlement for the client.
The Trial: If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be negotiated, the case proceeds to trial. The attorney presents the evidence and argues the case before a judge or jury.

Types of Damages

Survivors can claim different types of damages to receive compensation. Each category specifically covers losses that can be recovered financially in hopes of helping those who suffered abuse.

Physical Damages

Any physical injuries resulting from religious abuse that require medical treatment, surgeries, or other medical expenses will be compensated.

Psychological Damages

Compensation for psychological trauma such as PTSD or anxiety disorders that may have resulted from the abuse, and all costs for therapy and associated mental health care can be recovered by survivors.

Economic Damages

Lost wages or reduced earning capacity due to the abuse are economic damages that can be reimbursed to survivors.

Punitive Damages

Sometimes, courts punish heinous, abusive conduct to deter future incidents of abuse.

How do survivors of religious abuse seek legal justice?

Religious abuse remains an excruciating reality for many individuals. Those who suffer physical, sexual, and emotional mistreatment at the hands of those tasked with aiding in the growth of religious or spiritual health occur in many denominations. The traumas from these experiences can affect survivors for years by impacting interpersonal relationships, physical and mental health, and overall well-being.

Our attorneys will pursue an optimal outcome which includes recovering compensation for clients and ensuring justice is served. By filing a civil lawsuit, survivors can recover compensation that may help with the damages suffered and get justice for what happened.

Our lawyers approach abuse cases with compassion and empathy in hopes of helping you begin the process of healing while holding those responsible accountable for their deplorable actions.

By seeking compensation and justice against the perpetrator, you aren’t only helping rebuild your own life; your courageous act against abuse can prevent future harm to yourself and others.

If you or a loved one has experienced abuse in a religious setting, contact an understanding and dedicated attorney at (209) 283-2205 to review your case. The initial consultation will help our attorneys determine your needs and goals. Contact us today!

Our lawyers can help you begin to move forward by obtaining the compensation needed for recovery, holding perpetrators and their employers accountable, and ensuring justice is served, so call today.