MK forum

MEDIA ALERT

Child Sex Abuse and Coverup Lawsuit Filed Against New Tribes Mission, A Worldwide Organization Based in Orlando Area

Suit Says that Young Girl was Sexually Abused in Dorm Run by Mission in Philippines

Attorney to Hold TWO News Conferences to Announce New Suit

WHAT

TWO news conferences to announce the filing of a child sexual abuse and coverup lawsuit against NEW TRIBES MISSION, a worldwide missionary organization based in Sanford, Florida

WHEN/WHERE

Conference 1: 11:00am, public sidewalk in front of New Tribes Mission HQ at 1000 E. First St. in SANFORD

Conference 2: 1:30pm, on the steps of the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange. Ave., in ORLANDO

DETAILS

JEFFERY HERMAN, a nationally-recognized attorney for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, announces the filing of a new lawsuit against the Sanford-based NEW TRIBES MISSION (NTM) for the sexual abuse of a young girl in a school dorm owned and operated by the Mission.

According to the lawsuit, the girl, whose parents were missionaries in the organization, was repeatedly sexually abused by the man who ran the dorm she lived in as a youngster, LESLIE EMORY. The abuse is alleged to have occurred in ARITAO, Philippines, between 1984 and 1993, beginning when the child was only 9 years old.

The lawsuit also says that when confronted by NTM leaders with allegations that he molested children in his care, EMORY confessed to molesting at least 23 children. He has never faced criminal charges.

In August, 2010, NTM released a report concluding that dozens of children were sexually, physically, and emotionally abused in a dormitory in Africa.

Jane Doe No. 7 v. New Tribes Mission, Inc. was filed early Monday morning in Seminole County Circuit Court. Copies of the Complaint, as well as a written statement from the Plaintiff, will be available at the news conferences.

CONTACT: JEFF HERMAN 305 409 7371 cell, jherman@hermanlaw.com; or JESSICA ARBOUR 305 931 2200 , jarbour@hermanlaw.com





Jessica D. Arbour, Esq.

Herman, Mermelstein & Horowitz, P.A.

18205 Biscayne Blvd.

Suite 2218

Miami, FL 33160

(305) 931-2200

www.hermanlaw.com

Just when we think there's nothing more to talk about . . .if anyone's able to go, can you get good details for us? Is there any other way for us to show our support?

I awoke to this news this afternoon.

As you pray, please pray for ALL of us from Aritao. All of us families. All the survivors of Les Emory's abuse. This news affects ALL of us, in varying ways. It's a big, big deal.

I am writing this as an instantaneous reaction. Haven't even begun processing this yet.

I do love Jane Doe. She is dear to me and I support her right to let the world know how much she suffered.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-new-tribes-sex-abuse-lawsuit-20110509,0,6094881.story

Raz, you all have our prayers!
This IS big.
Bonnie, we are kind of trembling here. Looking for what is next.
And we support Jane Doe.

Wow - I will be praying

If you want to read the actual complaint (*** Caution: contains graphic sexual language ****):

http://www.cfnews13.com/static/articles/images/documents/complaint-against-new-tribe-mission-0509.pdf

The AP has now picked up this story (http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/10/2209678/new-tribes-mission-sued-by-woman.html), a story they were not interested in before.

The media are skeptical of "hear-say" stories; the world is full of them, they're a dime a dozen and hold very little potential as "news." Once a suit is filed, however, they take on a new credibility and, hence, newsworthiness.

The changes that are said to be sweeping NTM came about not because of a hue and cry raised by the members, not because the leaders saw something new in the Word in their morning devotions and not because of pressure from supporting churches and individuals. The changes, such as they are, have come about as a direct result of prolonged, negative publicity, first generated here on the Fanda Eagles' blog and forum.

Media coverage will help and is necessary - sad commentary on the ability of NTM leaders to lead.

Red Baron says that NTM posted the following on their website:

May 9, 2011
SANFORD, Florida: At noon today we became aware that a lawsuit has been filed against New Tribes Mission in regard to allegations of child abuse in the Philippines that were investigated and addressed prior to 1994.

This lawsuit is pending but New Tribes Mission has not yet been served with the legal papers. We therefore cannot comment further at this time.

I looked on the NTM website but I can't find this anywhere. So I'm not sure where people are going to see this response to the lawsuit.

The world is watching.