The Antelope Valley Times

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Lawsuit filed against Lancaster church [updated: church’s response]

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First Assembly of God Lancaster

LANCASTER – A childhood sexual abuse civil lawsuit against an Assembly of God church in Lancaster claims a female was repeatedly sexually abused by a youth group leader, and church officials became aware of the abuse but failed to report it to law enforcement.

The lawsuit was filed this week in the Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Leonor Vasquez, who was a minor at the time of the sexual abuse alleged in the complaint, according to attorneys for the Zalkin Law Firm who held a news conference Tuesday.

“The civil complaint identifies four defendants: the Assembly of God Pentecostal Church in Lancaster, California; the national organization, the General Council of the Assemblies of God located in Springfield, MO; and two agents of the church, Michael Walsh, the alleged perpetrator and his wife Sharon Walsh,” the plaintiff’s attorney, Alex Zalkin, stated in a news release. [View a copy of the complaint here.]

According to Zalkin, the defendants are not yet named in the filed complaint to comply with California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.1, which states “no defendant may be named except by ‘Doe’ designation in any pleadings or papers filed in the action until there has been a showing of corroborative fact as to the charging allegations against that defendant.” The names will be added to the complaint once a judge determines the suit has merit, and Zalkin said he expects to have that decision very soon.

According to the civil complaint, Leonor Vasquez began attending the Assembly of God Church in Lancaster in 1995 at the age of 13 and she participated in services, youth events and stayed at a church camp.

“During this time, she met the defendants, Michael and Sharon Walsh, on a church mission trip to Mexico,” Zalkin stated.

According to the complaint, when Leonor’s mother left the country in 1998, the defendants found out through contacts at the church that Leonor needed a place to live and offered her to move in with them.

The complaint “alleges that Michael Walsh sexually abused and molested the plaintiff on multiple occasions from 1998 to 2001, when the plaintiff was 16 to 18 years old and was living with the Walsh[es],” Zalkin stated in the news release. “During this time, the Walsh[es] acted as youth group leaders for the church and also facilitated other church activities, including bible study and chaperoned other events.”

The complaint also claims that church employees, including the lead pastor of the congregation, became aware of the alleged sexual abuse and failed to report it to law enforcement or take any other actions to prevent future acts.

“This case is yet another sad example of how children are at risk when religious institutions chose to harbor predators rather than protect children from harm,” Zalkin stated. “In this case, the Assembly of God local congregation and the national organization failed in their legal duty to protect children in their care from a sexual predator even when they were aware of his actions.”

Eight causes of action against the defendants are detailed in the civil complaint – negligence, negligent supervision/failure to warn, negligent hiring/retention, negligent failure to warn, train or educate the plaintiff, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of statutory duty and gender violence.

“The complaint alleges that the church defendants had a duty to control the defendant, Michael Walsh, and to prevent him from sexually molesting children and that the defendants had a special duty to investigate and not employ defendant Michael Walsh in his position as a youth group leader and chaperone since they were allegedly aware that defendant Michael Walsh was likely to harm children entrusted to him,” Zalkin stated in the news release.

The complaint asks for damages, punitive damages and costs based on the plaintiff’s physical injury and, physical manifestations of emotional distress, as well as expenses for medical and psychological treatment, therapy and counseling.

Calls and emails to the Assembly of God church in Lancaster, Pastor Majeske, and the General Council of the Assemblies of God were not immediately returned Tuesday. Attempts to reach Michael Walsh by telephone on Tuesday were unsuccessful as well.

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UPDATED 6/10/15: RESPONSE FROM THE LANCASTER FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD

The Lancaster First Assembly of God on Wednesday, June 10, forwarded the following response to The AV Times, via email:

“The Lancaster First Assembly of God is in receipt of the article written in the Antelope Valley Times. We are saddened by the allegations in the article. Because of the serious nature of the allegations, and the church’s adamant position of opposing all forms of abuse or exploitation, this matter will be investigated. Since this article is our first knowledge of the suit we have turned the matter over to legal counsel. In the interest of the privacy of everyone involved The Lancaster First Assembly of God will not comment on this matter. As always we pray for and seek the Lord’s guidance in all matters and for all involved.”

Reverend James W. Majeske, Lead Pastor, Lancaster First Assembly of God

 

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Filed Under: Lancaster

71 comments for "Lawsuit filed against Lancaster church [updated: church’s response]"

  1. I attended Lancaster First Assembly for 13 years and was one of the bus drivers, until I moved out of state. I am saddened that this is happening to this church. As I said I was one of the bus drivers, and because I was able to get off work fairly easily, I was able to drive for most of the youth events, (beach trips, camps, Youth Convention, etc.), Royal Rangers, Royal Family Kids Camp and the mission trips to Mexico.

    Never once did I remotely hear of any rumors, gossip or whatever concerning sexual abuse. However this does not mean that it did or did not happen.

    Click on the link that says “View a copy of the complaint here”. Notice the word “complaint” and throughout the “complaint” the word “allegation” is used quite frequently. Allegation: 1 : the act of alleging 2 : something alleged; especially : a statement not supported by proof or evidence .

    Another thing that saddens me is the comments made: “harboring sexual predators”; “These people committed crimes against a child” etc. solely based on a “complaint” with “allegations” filed by a paid attorney with the source of information coming from one person. Then another group claiming that it is all made up to just to get money, (most of the time the only one that benefits money wise is the attorney). No judge has been appointed, no jury selected, but basically everything has been decided, both ways in this forum.

    There is a scripture verse (for those who understand scripture verses) that pretty much relates to this subject: “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged”. (Matthew 7:1-2)

    Would I still attend Lancaster First Assembly if I hadn’t moved? Yes. But I would be praying for everyone involved for the proper outcome. The church I attend now had problems come up several years ago (not this serious), and I still attend that one. Thing is, is that churches as well as any organization, work place, planet, etc. is made up of people and where people are there are going to be problems, unless you move to and live in the Hoh Rainforest in Washington State like Mick Dodge. But then you would have him to deal with.

    Instead of trying and convicting in this forum, let’s let the jury and judge with the proper evidence from both sides decide this case and pray for God’s guidance. Then we can all come back here and agree or disagree with the outcome.

  2. So this person was 16/17 years old but did not have the good sense to say ‘no’ to or report inappropriate touching or, oh dear, my, foul language? At an age when they could operate a motor vehicle, legally hold employment, get married (with parent’s permission), join the military (with parent’s permission), be prosecuted for any sort of offense, be prosecuted as an adult at 14 or perhaps even younger?

    And now, 15 years later, this person is suing for big bucks for not putting a stop to this sort of thing? Are they mute? Why are we treating mature teenagers like infants when it comes to non-forcible, perhaps willing s3xual conduct (not necessarily in this context)? The chiiiiildren!

    You read about this all the time these days…. teenagers engaging in voluntary albeit unlawful relationships and then suing their ‘abusers’ (granted, this case sounds a bit different but the main premise remains the same), blaming on that the fact that their lives did not turn out like the fairy tale they were promised and are clearly entitled to. Ka-ching! I should have thought of that and laughed all the way to the bank…

    • lucy,

      Child sexual predators everywhere just cheered when they read your response.

      You need to talk to a victim whose life was ruined after 15 years of living with the mark of sexual abuse.

      You shouldn’t excuse men who sexually abuse 16&17 girls. Even if they are church leaders. That’s sick.

    • My sister is “Mute” which I only know as Deaf but she is not a moron. Just because a person is Deaf does not mean they are not able to communicate. My sister is incredibly intelligent, intelligent enough to tell us that our uncle touched her, and as we found out later, he touched many more kids. Guess who was the first to tell? Yes, my “Mute” sister.

  3. I personally have attended this church. After leaving the church a year ago I have come to find out some terrible things. There has been many sexual allegations that the youth group leaders refuse to accommodate to. I have never attended such a manipulating church who will do anything to keep their positive reputation. I do believe that the story does seem to have a few questionable things, like who is being sued. BUT I stand by that the story is most likely true, especially knowing how this church runs. Everyone please pray for this church and their staff.

    • James 3:8. Let’s make sure we the church are not off running off like the world ready to condemn. Once you start the embers quickly spread.

      • Jesus says to not judge but blindly act like a baby and allow the world to do all manner of evil right under your nose. If we all just pretend everything is okay, then everything is okay. Do babies judge us when we smoke crank and sleep with prostitutes? No. Be like a baby. Ignorant.

    • I am very sad to hear what was going on at the church I use to attend. There are many things that I think are put to the side.I stopped going there after 8 yrs because I feth something was not right anymore.

    • Jeff, my closest friend in was sexually abused by the youth pastor of his Assembly of God church in concord, nc.

      It sounds like the same Issue. First, minimize the issue and make the accuser feel small. Then, church leadership didn’t get the police involved and then gave the predator “grace” and reinstated them in ministry.

      The case finally went to court 11 years later. He was found guilty of a lessor charge and slapped on the wrist after the church leadership defended the predator outside and inside the courtroom. The church leadership sat on the side of the predator in the courthouse. The victims family sat on the other side without church leadership.

      The church is broken.

  4. Why not file “criminal” charges against the accused? No Money there huh…. Better to go after the church rather then the people she “lived” with and is accusing criminally.. Seems like a legit attempt at justice…. Not… Read the entire complaint. And funny how they go to the newspaper before they serve the Church while releasing names to them! It’s easier to try cases in the media these days…..

  5. To the person who posted below named “LS” and said “It’s been 15 years- time to move on”…. tell ya what, Sport… let’s meet and I will shoot you in the balls with a 12 gauge shotgun in your nads and then meet again 15 years from now tell YOU “it’s time to move on” and see how you feel about it. Deal?

  6. If the state of California Code of Civil Procedure Section 340.1, which states “no defendant may be named except by ‘Doe’ designation in any pleadings or papers filed in the action until there has been a showing of corroborative fact as to the charging allegations against that defendant.”
    Then why is it OK for the Attorney to list names?
    If the claims are to be found invalid by the judge, The people named now already have been publicly ridiculed. Can they now file a claim against the attorney??

  7. Those of us who refuse to obey God’s Word will fall under a powerful delusion. Lawlessness within believers that refuse to submit to His Word will pay the penalty. So all of your carping just compounds the sin.

  8. You all are stating that he “admitted to molestation” as a fact. This lawsuit is not fact, it is what the plaintiff is claiming. She is CLAIMING that he admitted to it, CLAIMING that the pastor knew about it. This is all just her side of the story. Before we are so quick to judge we need to hear all sides and allow the truth to be brought to light. Everyone should be PRAYING for all parties involved and PRAYING that the truth will be shown instead of SLANDERING people, churches, and religions over claims.

  9. After reading the complaint and being a mother to a 15 year old daughter; All I can say is this…… What if it was your daughter? would it still be a grab at money? Would the charges/lawsuit/allegations still be bogus? Look at the bigger picture.

    • As a mother I wouldn’t have moved to Germany with my boyfriend (whom my daughter didn’t like) and left her with anyone. Ultimately, the mother is responsible for entrusting her care to someone else, not the church.

      • No, her Mother should not have left her behind BUT this occurred before, during, and after her Mother left.

  10. First off I think these gal did the right thing who knows how many more victims there are hope they come forward or it might stop any future abuse. )))___TO all you people here is the reality most all religions are good and you cant say Christian–Catholic or what ever that they rape or molest IS THE PEOPLE the people trust so not the religion all religions have cases like these Jews Catholics Christians and like these one from the story and when some high priest or congregant finds out I think its more of a embarrassment that they hide this kind of things but they should be reported. AND Again its the people not the religion I think that al religions should start doing background checks on who they can trust and take care of kids youth activities trust is not enough.

    • I am in total agreement with you! This IS NOT ABOUT CHRISTIANITY & CHRISTIANS! If the allegations are true, it’s about a sexual predator and the church not reporting it. It happens in schools and other places that people are aware but don’t report it. There are many wonderful and great churches, schools, day cares, etc., so it should not be lump into one basket! However, sadly to say there are people in all these realms that can take advantage of children! No matter where you work, if you suspect abuse, it’s best to report it, even if you’re not sure, and let the authorities handle it with their expertise. Some Churches have unfortunately, have tried to handle things within the church and that’s not how things should be handle because people can hide behind the church.
      This is really heart-breaking, no matter the outcome.

    • Has anyone even inquired if the Church does back ground check. It is my belief they do. Predators come in many forms and all will answer to God, Yet here all we have are accusations at this time. It is my prayer as always God will shine light in the darkness and truth always comes to light. My advise would be for all who want true justice that they would pray. God hides no man. Luke 12:3 ESV /
      Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. I also am an child of abuse, and sadly have to say some do lie. Ephesians 6:12 (ASV) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. once again I say all should pray for the truth period!!

      • I was a volunteer in their after school program and they ran a background check on me. This was quite a few years ago, but also quite a few years after the events in this lawsuit so not necessarily relevant.

  11. Before you make a judgement that this is a “money grab” you should read the law suit. The perpetrator (Michael Walsh) in the case came forward and told the pastor he perpetrated the sexual abuse. The pastor failed to report. From the law suit: “In the meeting, also attended by Local Church employee Bobbie Moody, Pastor Majeske indicated Defendant Doe 3 (Michael Walsh) came to Pastor Majeske and admitted to the sexual molest of Plaintiff. Despite this, Defendant Local Church still did not report the abuse to law enforcement.”

    If you are familiar with sexual abuse victims, many of them do not come forward for many years, sometimes 10-30 years later. Look at the University Of Penn case where the coach molested students for 40 years before they came forward. Thus, the reason the law allows child sexual abuse victims to come forward years later. It’s more than coming forward, there are emotional and psychological aspects to reporting sexual abuse.

    The law suit is attached to the article. Click on the link and read the law suit. Numerous third party individuals reported the molest to the church and the church did nothing. A few years later, after the Plaintiff reported the abuse to the Pastor, Michael Walsh admitted guilt and still, the church did absolutely nothing, including breaking the law as a “mandatory reporter” and report the sexual abuse to the proper authorities.

    • According to the lawsuit which consists of her allegations he confessed, but that doesn’t mean he actually did. The sad reality is that throughout this country we have many true sexual abuse victims as well has false allegations. Both cases are heartbreaking and result in destroyed lives. Until all sides of the story are heard and due process in the courts happens we will not know which it is in this case.

  12. I attend this church…and have been for the past 30+ years. I was in the same youth group as this girl. These are bogus allegations and an attempt to make a buck. So sad.

    • That may be so but how can you say that with such certainty? It sounds like she lived with these people? I’m sure that whether she lived there is easily provable and if she did isn’t it at least conceivable that something happened?

    • Have you read the law suit? It’s attached to the story. Click the link. The Defendant (Michael Walsh) admitted to the molest of the Plaintiff. Michael Walsh told the Pastor he perpetrated the molest, yet the Pastor did nothing. This church safe harbors sexual predators.

    • It’s bogus because it’s 15 years later! I know what happened, as I was there during this whole thing…and I read the lawsuit. That isn’t the point. It was 15 years ago! Time to move on…

      • I’m a sexual abuse victim, and going back and suing people involved isn’t going to solve anything. The facts may have happened, but the lawsuit is bogus.

        • Because someone files a lawsuit 15 years later does not make the law suit bogus! If you had any knowledge of sexual abuse victims, which you claim to be one, you should know it takes years, sometimes longer than 15 years for the victim to acknowledge the crime that was perpetrated against them.

          If nobody comes forward, everyone remains silent, you don’t shine a light on the wrongdoings of the church and Michael Walsh who perpetrated the sexual abuse against a child.

          I know you’re bias because you belong to the church, but when the lead Pastor and the perpetrator acknowledge the crime happened, multiple times, and the pastor did nothing to protect the child, as required by federal and state law (MANDATORY REPORTER), then the church is harboring sexual predators. You should rethink your relationship with the church.

          How could you condone such behavior? Imagine the other children who attend the church, their at risk.

          • Yet you want to judge the church on mere allegations. Right now it is all allegations. God hides no one all comes to light. Prayer is needed for all. God knows the truth and is quite capable of bringing it out. Why is it so easy for you to judge just by what you hear without any evidence?? maybe you should search your heart about that. Is it the church or God himself maybe ? whatever it is I pray God works it out for you and you will find His peace>

        • “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” – Albert Einstein

      • LS I’m assuming you’ve never been a victim of sexual assault. I’m also assuming you don’t know anyone who has. To make a statement like “it was 15 years ago! Time to move on” is VERY IGNORANT on your part. Be it 15 years or 40 years to be VIOLATED like that is NOT easy to move on from. SMH
        I pray for the victim(s)

      • Your attitude towards this entire situation is really really sad. The fact that you are so willing and ready to throw a possible sex abuse victim under the bus is awful. Sure, it may not solve anything, but have some compassion towards this person who might legitimately be hurting. I believe that Christ would and does have compassion for her.

        For the record, I grew up in an Assemblies of God church and in spite of that fact I’m still a christian. I witnessed that denomination cover up so many egregious sins on the part of pastors that should have never been allowed to have positions of leadership.

        • Agreed.

          Typical die hard follower of a church failing to see the big picture here.. These people committed crimes against a child that will affect her for the rest of her life. To simply say that it is time to move on is extremely insensitive and negligent. You hardly seem like someone who was affected by sexual abuse.

      • Should they not have to pay for what they did wrong no matter how many years later.

        And if you were there 15 years ago maybe you should’ve helped and stood up for her and said something.

  13. Before you make a judgement that this is a “money grab” you should read the law suit. The perpetrator (Michael Walsh) in the case came forward and told the pastor he perpetrated the sexual abuse. The pastor failed to report. From the law suit: “In the meeting, also attended by Local Church employee Bobbie Moody, Pastor Majeske indicated Defendant Doe 3 (Michael Walsh) came to Pastor Majeske and admitted to the sexual molest of Plaintiff. Despite this, Defendant Local Church still did not report the abuse to law enforcement.”

    If you are familiar with sexual abuse victims, many of them do not come forward for many years, sometimes 10-30 years later. Look at the University Of Penn case where the coach molested students for 40 years before they came forward. Thus, the reason the law allows child sexual abuse victims to come forward years later. It’s more than coming forward, there are emotional and psychological aspects to reporting sexual abuse.

    The law suit is attached to the article. Click on the link and read the law suit. Numerous third party individuals reported the molest to the church and the church did nothing. A few years later, after the Plaintiff reported the abuse to the Pastor, Michael Walsh admitted guilt and still, the church did absolutely nothing, including breaking the law as a “mandatory reporter” and report the sexual abuse to the authorities.

    This church and lead Pastor safe harbors sexual predators.

    • Antonio,

      Just because a lawyer claims something in a lawsuit does not make it a fact. How about we let the criminal justice system do it’s job before we make inflammatory statements like “This church and lead Pastor harbors sexual predators” ok?

      • I understand that Attorney’s can “claim anything” but the fact that Michael Walsh (perpetrator/criminal) admitted to sexually abusing victim for years and has acknowledged that he’s informed the lead pastor, there have been numerous third-party and unbiased witness report the crime to the lead pastor over the three year period, and yet again, the pastor did not report the crimes for 3 years to the authorities, as required by federal/state law (MANDATORY REPORTER), saying he’s safe harboring sexual predators is not “inflammatory” its fact!

        I hope this civil suit turns into a criminal complaint and the federal/state law sentences Michael Walsh and Sharon Walsh to jail.

  16. Can someone say money grab? Why would you wait 15 years and then file a civil, not criminal lawsuit? I hope the church wins a counter suit for slander and punitive damages!

    • this is one money grab Rex won’t partake in. he’ll sue businesses in his town, school districts in his town, VFW posts in his town, cities near his town, and just about anyone or anything. but he leaves the churches alone because they do surveys for his political it mailers and try deliver votes. that’s especially important when you hold elections on off years in April.

    • it is my belief that this church is not looking for that. they are just looking for the truth and as Christians are praying for the girl, as well. Has every one forgotten wherever Gods Children are about doing His work there is also others trying to persecute them. What i do know is God is trustworthy. Sin has consequences and if the allegations prove to be false she and her attorney still need prayer. But I will wait on the lord and pray for all. We all need to remember God ask us to all pray and this world is not our home. There is always a war for souls. Narrow is the path that leads to heaven.

  17. Remember as Christians we are obligated to trust in the ONE TRUE JUDGE, the Lord Almighty and leave the outcome in prayer to Him. My prayers for everyone involved.

    • Having grown up in this congregation, my heart is very heavy. Harsh and hateful comments have been made and do not help the situation. Believers need to pray and seek God until ALL the fact are brought out. Non-believers will most certainly have a “hay-day” with all of this. Whatever the outcome, true believers need to be praying and not forget about forgiveness !! Praying for all who are named in these allegations!!

  18. This church doesn’t handle MANY issues regarding innapropriate sexual relationships..it’s absolutely horrible and never dealt with. Unfortunately know so many people who have left because of marriages or relationships ruined after attending this church and the staff..hopefully things are fixed after this.

  19. And this is why I personally don’t believe in churches!!!! In my book, to be a good person respectful, caring, loyal, with morales an outstanding member of society.. you have to want to be, period!!!!

  20. i will now change churches and will not go back to a church that abuses and molestes kids so now i’m going to find a church.and will not go back to this church ever again…..

      • ??? Who said there was no proof. Lovely how you can just come to a conclusion claiming it’s a “ploy.” Suddenly you must know everything, what proof do you have?

        I would hope you would be more sensible, a simple understanding that a young girl could have been getting molested and spoke out and it was ignored…… go spend some time with rape victims and then have an opinion. Clearly your bold enough to say something after arguing there’s no proof, although you have no backbone to stand on with your opinion.

      • Yes Carla cannot change churches until a guilty verdict is reached. I had a 30 plus year old mother, married, offer to go hiking with my 16 year old son alone. This is someone we know only through church. It’s like they think it’s okay because they all praise God all day. Not okay.

    • Good luck finding a church without some weird perv guys and loads of slutty women. Churches are full of the oddest ducks and they all attract each other and become a community of weirdos.

    • Good luck because moving doesnt stop you from what has happened so go ahead and run like a coward some christian u are

      • Yeah! You’re not a Christian like I am! I’m a better Christian than any of you! I have 6 Christian themed T-shirts, a bumper sticker, the background image on my phone, and I talk about it all the time so that everyone knows what an awesome Christian I am.

        • Ur such a lame just the fact that u just said something as [removed] like that goes to show how stupid u really are! Being a good Christian isn’t about how much you [removed] advertise it [removed]. So if that’s how u think ur gettin to heaven think again, u might as well be riding bikes with the Mormons

    • So you attend this church? Perhaps you should leave if you already consider it guilty without even hearing your own churches side of the story. A church is a group of people, not a building. You are throwing a lot of people under the bus based on a single allegation from something 15 years ago. Do you even know if the guy accused still goes there?

      • Did you read her comment? She said that she planned on leaving that church because she thinks the whole thing is creepy. You saying that she should leave because she doesn’t deserve to go there doesn’t change the fact that she already had said she planned on finding another church. It’s kind of like you’re saying she shouldn’t keep going there because she has decided not to go there. You can’t dump me because I just dumped you!

    • So carla, Im assuming you have already prayed about this? God has spoken to you, as he did Moses: revealing the truth and telling you to run?
      Be wise speaking against Gods servants as he is the one that defends them. So be sure you know!

  21. “Intentional infliction of emotional distress” could be filed against pretty much any church, CCC in West Lancaster being just one example.

      • Carla has the parents of your nephew spoke out against the church? I hope you encourage them to, as it’s the only way to save some other child from being abused!

      • Omg are churches safe anymore? I believe staying home and reading his word is a safe zone these days.