Reginald Tyrone Jackson stands accused of molesting multiple children while he was an elder
Reginald Tyrone Jackson stands accused of molesting multiple children while he was an elder

Last month the Dallas-based Turley Law Firm filed a civil lawsuit against the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc. and Reginald Tyrone Jackson. The Petition outlines the sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Metroplex congregations in Plano, Dallas and Greenville, Texas, USA.

Six people broke their silence to tell of sexual, physical and emotional abuse suffered in the late 80s and early 90s, when they were between the ages of 4 and 14. Two perpetrators are referred to in the Petition – one an elder, the other a circuit overseer.

The Petition claims the abuse was not reported at the time because the petitioners and their families were threatened with discipline and harm if they spoke to anyone about the molestations. The plaintiffs are not named due to the nature of the allegations.

Details have been reported by Fox4News Dallas Fort Worth…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n4mB_OwTpQ?rel=0]

The Petition also alleges that the defendants were negligent and committed various forms of fraud. The fraud stems from allegations that congregation leaders misrepresented themselves as people of trust, and the WBTS should have been responsible for oversight since its “authority flows down from it to the local levels.”

$1 million in damages is being claimed by each of the six plaintiffs for the alleged lasting psychological and emotional harm that the abuse has caused in their lives. They are also seeking punitive and exemplary damages to send a clear message to Watchtower, highlighting their responsibility.

Steven Schulte, a lawyer with the Turley Law Firm, told the Plano Star Courier that Watchtower “is the top of the chain of command; they oversee and are involved in the decision-making … daily function – everything has to be approved… They are intimately involved … have absolute authority over the congregation and had every reason to know [of the abuse].”

Around 1990, the Governing Body appointed Jackson as an Elder. The Petition states:

“In spite of their knowledge of Jackson’s conduct with children, the Governing Body did not report this conduct to the authorities and did not otherwise warn members or the general public of Jackson’s wrongdoings. Instead, it remained silent, allowing Jackson to remain in a position of authority, trust, and control over children of the congregation, to repeatedly sexually abuse and molest them.”

“These victims were not permitted to report their experiences to outside authorities or to other persons within the organization, aside from elders or overseers, despite secular laws and duties regarding the reporting of child abuse.”

The Petition also alleges that this was not a single perpetrator operating within the congregations. Another alleged abuser, a circuit overseer, is also referred to as “A.”

The Petition says of “A”…

“The Governing Body had reason to know, at least by the early-1990s, that “A” was using his position of authority and trust as circuit overseer to manipulate and engage in sexually inappropriate conduct with children….. In spite of their knowledge surrounding “A”’s conduct with children, the Governing Body did not report “A”’s conduct to the authorities and did not otherwise warn members or the general public of “A”’s wrongdoings. Instead, as with Jackson, it remained silent, allowing “A” to remain in a position of authority, so he could repeatedly sexually abuse and molest members of the congregations.”

The Petition also claims…

“Defendants did everything possible to avoid disclosing these perpetrators’ inappropriate conduct and abuse of children and what they knew about their wrongful conduct with children. Defendants knew that Plaintiffs were ignorant of this inappropriate conduct and that it was potentially harmful to them, as innocent and sheltered children, and that the children did not understand the perpetrators, who were their spiritual leaders, and in a position of trust, would hurt them while satisfying the predators’ own sexual desires.”

None of this is surprising. Week after week, in country after country, abuse survivors are speaking out. At the same time the Governing Body makes no apology to those who have suffered, refuses to change the two witness policy, and allows perpetrators to return to congregations while making no mention to the rank and file membership.

 

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Further reading…

  • Plano Star Courier – Plano JW congregation sued for sexual abuse Link
  • Press Release Turley Law Firm Link
  • Turley Law Firm Petition (in recent filings) Link
  • MyFoxdFW.com – Six claim they were molested as kids by JW elders Link

72 thoughts on “Lawsuit filed claiming historic child abuse and fraud in Texas

  • November 19, 2014 at 7:38 pm
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    @Niner, my journey started about 6 months ago too. I started having doubts long before but I came out & finally told my husband (an MS)around this time. To my surprise he was feeling the same way but would refuse to read anything negative about the WT. I would just subtly relate things to him bit by bit to prove my point as to why we need to question this religion. So now we both are in the fading process although for me it has been a very emotional journey as I too had invested a lot of emotion in to it. Now I’m at the other end where I feel quite sad for others who feel trapped as I don’t have family still in.

  • November 19, 2014 at 7:58 pm
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    Susannah, I understand what you are saying because from having no one interested in my well being when I was sick & bed ridden for almost 2yrs to all of a sudden everyone coming out of the wood work when we stopped going to the meetings trying to say how much they love us & this is God’s organisation & you have worked so hard, blah, blah blah. I would say back to them, actions speak louder than words, it’s too late. I feel like I have been in a loveless relationship with you people I was always giving, giving & received nothing when I needed it back & now I’m just over it, I have nothing left in the tank.

    I had to be harsh & not give them any false hopes as it was well & truly over for me mentally. I got to the point of telling people when they came to us that if you have come to try to persuade me to come back you’re wasting your time.

    I even had to say to the Elders that it’s not fair for Witnesses to come in to my house & try to persuade me & tell me that my thinking is off. I’m not going into their house & persuading them to my way of thinking, why do they think it’s okay for them to invade my personal space. I have stayed away from all contact so I don’t get labelled. Respect me & my opinion please!

    The Elders actually took it well & they have since dropped off.

  • November 19, 2014 at 11:18 pm
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    All those who have violated “human beings” under the age of 16 years, should be accountable for there crimes”. Regardless of title held at the KH. They will have there day in court.

    Wild animals of the forest “protect there own” they would have a field day at the KH.

    My heart and prayers go out to All the victims.

    How much longer will Jehovah hold back his blaze and anger, only time will tell…….

  • November 19, 2014 at 11:48 pm
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    It’s as if a light has come on in the Jehovah’s witness dormitory. Many people fully awake a few waking and many having bad dreams. It’s extraordinary to observe.

  • November 20, 2014 at 12:07 am
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    Isn’t it odd that it’s the same bad dream.

  • November 20, 2014 at 12:36 am
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    Poetic it maybe.
    A thunderstorm rumbles on after it has passed. That was a hell of a storm.

  • November 20, 2014 at 12:48 am
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    Reminds me of Beethoven 6th symphony 4th movement regarding a thunderstorm and the harvesters reaction:-)

  • November 20, 2014 at 8:52 am
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    The sexual attacks on J,W, children is positive proof, that-
    no God”s Kingdom has been operating for the past 100-years.

    According to the Bible, the Kingdom belongs to the children
    it exists for their benefit, Matt, 19/ 13-15, — Mark 10/ 13-16.
    If then, just “One” child was damaged, this would be evidence
    that this Kingdom was either “Impotent”, or “Non Existent”.
    “Facts” show the latter to be the case.

    William, H, Bowen, of “Silent Lambs”, says he has been
    contacted by over 5000, J,Ws, molested as children, and
    hundreds disfellowshipped. for speaking out.

    Is it conceivable, that an apparently good person like Jesus,
    if given “All Power” in Heaven and Earth, would allow such a-
    scourge among children under his protection.? Would you
    allow it,? of course you wouldn’t .

    Reason dictates, that the Kingdom is a fiction, but what’s
    amazing, is, that persistent brainwashing, can convince
    millions of often highly intelligent people, that fiction is reality,
    this Org, excels in this.

  • November 20, 2014 at 11:29 am
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    It’s hard to denie I’m traveling through space at 6600 miles an hour and my coffee is still in its cup. Religion I don’t do.

  • November 20, 2014 at 11:34 am
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    When I told my son last night that his room looked like a bomb site I didn’t mean it was perfectly ordered. Matter=power.
    Any man who touches a kid should be shot.

  • November 20, 2014 at 11:42 am
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    I just wish I had a watch that would keep time with the planet’s. Shit that’ll be heavy:-)

  • November 20, 2014 at 12:07 pm
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    Black Sabbath. Damaged soul.

  • November 20, 2014 at 12:19 pm
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    I’ll walk into your KH in the UK if that’s what you require. No problem. No one touchs a child or bullies them. Try me.

  • November 20, 2014 at 1:09 pm
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    Gary I enjoy your comments but they are always so fragmented.

  • November 20, 2014 at 7:13 pm
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    I’ve wondered if the WTBTS knows the hand writing is one the wall (pun intended) and is slowly moving real estate into cash so that it could be moved or hidden. If their assets remain in real estate would it not be easy for the courts to force a sale to settle the judgement?
    SD

  • November 21, 2014 at 6:49 am
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    I wanted to share: There’s a new kid on the block on Youtube by the name of Jason Zelda and he has 2 really good videos you should watch. The first one is called: Hidden From Jehovah’s Witnesses video 1 and it is about child molestation in the organization and the 2nd one is called Hidden From Jehovah’s Witnesses video 2 and it deals with Watchtower doctrine.

    Mr. Zelda has put a lot of research and work into these 2 videos and they are well worth taking the time to watch them.

  • November 21, 2014 at 6:53 am
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    Cedars:

    If WT has 5,000 +- lawsuits for voilateing “human beings,” under the age of 16 years this is an act of crime. Someone has to be accountable for the crime or injustice imposed involuntary or duress against another “human being”.

    My heart and prayers go out to All the victims.

    * * * Only an example: if the average settlement is $15.0 million X 5,000 = $75. billion.

    One local paper (NY) has WT (all) assets at $2. billion. Ouch.

    What options do (WT) they have? How do you see this play out?

  • November 21, 2014 at 8:33 am
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    Folks,

    There have been numerous comments about people knowing about child abusers in their congregations.

    Please, contact your police forces and child protection services that cover these areas. Make your concerns and information known to the authorities.

    Peace be with you,

    Excelsior!

  • November 22, 2014 at 10:58 am
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    “JHVH will fix it”, “Wait on JHVH”, empty words, used to
    fend off reality. Expecting some invisible power, to get them
    out of holes they’ve dug themselves into.
    Just like Mr, Micawber,- always in debt, due to his unrealistic
    view of the world of finance, so, he fooled himself, with the
    empty belief that “Something’s bound to turn up”.

    This Org’s, history is one of, failure, after failure, nothing has
    ever been fixed but just patched up, one failed doctrine
    replaced with another, and passed off as new light.

    The present deep hole they are in, ( litigation due to sheltering
    sexual predators,) is because of a rigid application of the
    ancient 2 witness rule that fails to consider all situations.

    As usual nothing is turning up to relieve the situation, the hole
    just gets deeper, 5000 damaged lives so far. The empty
    Words, “JHVH Will Fix it” sound very hollow. Reality is
    catching up with them.

  • November 22, 2014 at 12:27 pm
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    @Ted
    Have faith, Jah WILL fix EVERYTHING, that is wrong. The whole world (child abuse ((no matter who is the abuser))isis , bad government, murder/suicide , extreme weather , war , famine, ebola etc) is in crisis . We all are abit impatient because we have been led astray as to the times we live in . Is there any doubt in anyone’s mind that this earth just CANNOT continue as it is ? I don’t think anyone who visits this site would want conditions as they are to exist. The expression ” one bad apple spoils the whole bunch ” clearly can apply here, but why are we judging Jah via men ? (yes , men, no matter what they think, say, claim or call themselves) Why cant we get back to trusting in Jehovah ? Yes, I do think we should respect the authority , as the Bible commands. So, lets do that. Lets let them deal with the abusers, raise the issues , support the process. No reason to leave Jehovah

  • November 22, 2014 at 6:56 pm
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    So WT has a few bad apples?

    Do you think with all the Law suits against WT due to violating human beings under the age of 16, is a crime in all U.S. states, is the start of housing cleaning?

    Do you think WT will make adjustments and change its policies on certain matters?

  • November 22, 2014 at 10:23 pm
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    @Niner I recommend the quiet exit. It may mean that you will still have some contact with your family. I slipped out when I was 23. My brother and my sister and my mum and dad are all still very much in it. It’s not the same but at least I still get to see them.

    Just remember, no one can force you to attend a back room elder meeting. Just politely decline and leave it at that.

  • November 23, 2014 at 1:26 am
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    @da’. I actually read your comment 2 times because the first time, I thought you were joking but after reading it 2 times, I realized you weren’t joking.

    I have been in the org. for 50 years and that is the answer that the elders always tell people when their hands (wait on Jehovah) are tied by the 2 witness rule and orders from up above from the Society.

    The elders are caught between a rock and a hard place. They love the congregation and the children but they can’t tell anybody who has been abused to report it to the police, because the Society doesn’t want any bad press to sully their “reputation” and they can’t warn anybody in the congregation also because of orders from the Society.

    So, in the organization you have millions of people thinking that Jehovah is going to “fix” everything in his due time because that is what the Society keeps saying Jehovah is going to do. In the meantime, nothing is done to help people who are having problems in the Society. It’s just a way of saying “sorry, but there’s nothing we can do to help you”. That is a position that nobody should be put in to, either the elders or the victims. The only way the Society can run and operate, is for the elders to “volunteer” to do all the work for them for free and make them think they are doing God’s work but they aren’t equipped to handle abuse and keep it quiet.

    What you need to do is go on Youtube and watch some documentaries about child abuse within the Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are plenty of them to watch and those documentaries go back quite a few years. This organization has been covering up Child abuse and wife abuse for many many years. You can’t help but hate the Organization after watching even a few of them.

    The Society is evil for protecting child abusers and if you had a conscience, you wouldn’t be sticking by them either. You need to do some research and not believe everything that the Society says is the truth. You need to examine your own religion and it’s history just the same as we would ask anybody who is studying with us to examine their own religion. If it’s the truth, it will stand up to scrutiny.

  • November 23, 2014 at 5:09 am
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    anonymus said : “because the Society doesn’t want any bad press to sully their “reputation” and they can’t warn anybody in the congregation also because of orders from the Society.”

    By avoiding bad press at any price, the Society (JW “organisation”) is sullying more and more the reputation of Jehovah Witnesses all over the world. Using the name of Jehovah as an aura of religious holiness is one thing, but sullying the reputation of Jehovah Witnesses, right now at the internet era is looking more and more like walking or dancing on a tight rope for JW “organisation”.

  • November 23, 2014 at 7:36 am
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    da,

    What is so wrong with giving your God a helping hand? Why do you expect Him to correct the child abuse and other scandals when you can help fix it?

    It is not sacrilegious to apply the moral code that Jesus left.

    Your argument is fatalistic and is not in line with Biblical or Moral standards.

    I expect to read that you are doing all you can in your circumstances to fix these problems. If you are not, then it is JESUS that you must answer to, and your own conscience.

    Peace be with you,

    Excelsior!

  • November 23, 2014 at 7:42 am
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    @da, I am very grateful for your concern about my faith,
    or lack of, as some might see it, I do agree with you,
    that much of the evil is Down to men, but I wonder if you
    would agree with me, that much of the good, is also due
    to men.?

    Many individuals, and organisations, are devoted to
    relieving human suffering, doctors risking their life to deal
    with Ebola is just one example. They see people’s needs
    as being urgent and act quickly, This cannot be said of the
    God of the Bible, he’s sat on his throne and watched human
    suffering for 6000 years. ( So the Bible indicates.)

    I cannot share your pessimism, – human efforts have resulted in
    in great improvements to our lives.— Life span has doubled
    from that in the 18th cent, due to eradication of killer diseases,
    there’s more awareness of people’s human rights, the USA has
    an African American President, ( Unthinkable a few short years
    ago,) etc. Most people, would choose this century to live, if they
    gave some thought to it.

    You say the World cannot go on as it is, so if I wait on JHVH,
    what will his solution be?,– Slaughter 7-billion people at arm-
    ageddon ?. Who would wish for that, just so their own life would
    be better? The W,T uses Bad News , and Armageddon. To rack
    up the fear element,– Myths and scaremongering, I cannot put
    faith in.

  • November 23, 2014 at 6:18 pm
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    As a long time ex member born into it this ex ‘Witness’ volunteers as a True Witness at this trial. All personal documentation, information and written material freely available…

    Jack Chapman
    Anderson, SC 29621

  • November 24, 2014 at 11:06 am
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    All of the abuse pointing directly to the evidence of major human rights violations….

    Class action lawsuit?

  • November 25, 2014 at 12:37 am
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    @Da, “Why cant we get back to trusting in Jehovah ?”!!
    Trusting in Jehovah to solve all the problems you have listed is the biggest mistake one can make! one of the reasons is how he destroyed David’s house using Sex and Sword (Ref: http://wol.jw.org/rw/wol/dsync/r127/lp-yw/r1/lp-e/2005365#h=0-1&selpar=0 )

    JEHOVAH RAISES UP CALAMITY AGAINST HIS ANOINTED

    (2 Samuel 11:1–20:26)

    “Here I am raising up against you calamity out of your own house,” Jehovah says to David, “and I will take your wives under your own eyes and give them to your fellowman, and he will certainly lie down with your wives under the eyes of this sun.” (2 Samuel 12:11) What is the reason for this pronouncement? It is David’s sin with Bath-sheba. Though repentant David is forgiven, he is not spared the consequences of his sin.

    First the child that Bath-sheba gives birth to dies. Then David’s virgin daughter Tamar is raped by her half brother Amnon. Her full brother Absalom murders Amnon in revenge. Absalom conspires against his own father and proclaims himself king in Hebron. David is forced to flee Jerusalem. Absalom has relations with ten of his father’s concubines left behind to take care of the house. David returns to his kingship only after Absalom is killed. A revolt by the Benjaminite Sheba ends in Sheba’s death.

  • November 25, 2014 at 12:47 am
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    @Ted, well said… The vaccines against polio have eradicated it from most countries in the world, and reduced the worldwide incidence from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 223 cases in 2012.

    See how many lives that are being saved, not by Jesus’ Blood but thanks to sciences and men like Salk and Sabin… and if they had been Jehovah’s Witnesses, Polio would have continued to cause deaths and disabilities to many children around the world.

  • November 25, 2014 at 11:35 am
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    God; at this point, it feels like they’re deliberately TRYING to provoke “persecution” from The World.

Comments are closed.