D.H. v. Corp. of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Case still pending. Details modified to protect client privacy.

Case Overview

Crew Janci represented a member of the Mormon Church who was sexually abused on multiple occasions by Kerlee in the early 1980s when the victim was 15 years old.

Case Details

The lawsuit alleges that the Church received numerous reports that Kerlee was sexually abusing children, including learning that Kerlee was convicted of Sodomy III (Class C Felony) for sexual abuse of a child. Instead of protecting church children from a sexual predator, the LDS Church submitted a letter to the Court in support of the early termination of Kerlee’s probation. Even though the Church knew of the danger Kerlee presented to children, the Church allowed Kerlee to continue to serve in positions of leadership over youth in the Corvallis Stake until the late 1980s, where he continued to sexually abuse the plaintiff and other children.

Settlement Details

  • Release of the Mormon Church’s “Red Flag” notations
    The lawsuit seeks release of the Mormon Church’s “Red Flag” notations related to child sexual abuse by Mormon youth workers.
  • $5 million in damages
    $5 million in damages for the plaintiff’s emotional pain and suffering.
  • $500,000
    $500,000 for future medical and mental health treatment.
  • Case is still pending
    This case is still pending in an Oregon court.
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Child Sexual Abuse in the SDA Church

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