On Thursday, Hastingssaid Kanakuk had filed no lawsuit against No More Victims since last year. Jody Jones, who flew from Utah to testify, was a camper at Kanakuk in 1985, when she was 8. Each person who spoke with the CBS 11 I-Team says he or she, or a family member of his or hers, was sexually abused at Kanakuk Kamps sometime between 1999 and 2008. Evan Hoffpauir, another victim who spoke at the hearing, said he did not learn for years that Kanakuk Kamps was aware of his abusers predatory tendencies the year they met, in 1999. Camp officials said they had terminated Lee Bradberry, 22, of Auburn, Ala., in July 2011 after learning from campers of an incident in which he had behaved inappropriately. i talked to her boss for less than 5 minutes and she was hired an hour later. i also was, last year, the sole reference for a young woman who got hired as a camp counsellor in another camp. It sucks but that is just how it is. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, would extend the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, allowing survivors to file civil action until they turn 55 years old. ", "(Leadership) stated they fired Newman as soon as they were aware of his abusive behaviors, and that he acted alone," Hoffpauir said. A claim against Kanakuk Kamps for sexual abuse is filed in Texas federal court by John Doe III. God forgive them all and save us from the professional religious! The law was telling me there was nothing to be done about it, and the clock had run out on me. The abuse began in the fall of 2000, it alleges, and continued over the next several years, during which time Newman encouraged the boy to perform a series of activities in the nude, including swinging naked from a trapeze into the pool, and engage in acts of mutual masturbation. Four witnesses who say they were abused at Kanakuk Kamps, a popular evangelical camp outside Branson, Mo., testified before Missouris House Judiciary Committee Feb. 13 in support of House Bill 367. One lawsuit, filed in Taney County, alleges former director Peter D. Newman molested a teen from 2000 to 2005, beginning when the boy was 13. Earlier this year, a former counselor was sentenced to 10 years for sexually abusing three boys ages 9, 10 and 12 who had attended the camp in 2011. WebSurvivors and family members of victims of sexual abuse at Kanakuk camps testified at a hearing before the Missouri House Judiciary Committee regarding a bill proposed by local state Rep. Brian Seitz to change laws to help survivors of childhood sexual assault. All rights reserved. WebSexual abuse survivor sues Kanakuk Kamps, claims lies influenced 2010 settlement agreement Springfield News-Leader Kanakuk actively concealed what they knew about the sexual abuse being perpetrated by Pete Newman and induced victims and survivors into settlements and NDAs, said Robert Thrasher, one of Yandells attorneys, in a news This not only hinders the healing process for victims themselves but also allows perpetrators to continue committing violence as their victims age out of the statute of limitations, they report. Warns Newman that his one-on-one sleepovers with boys could destroy Joe Whites ministry Counsels Newman about kid time and advises him to show restraint, Has Newman sign a probationary agreement acknowledging his sexual improprieties with young boys but continues to allow him to interact with children, Sends Newman for psychological evaluation but cancels his evaluation and any further counseling sessions once the psychologist indicates Newmans behavior is potentially reportable, White sends Newman to meet with an attorney for training on the legal implications of sexual misconduct, conversations protected under attorney-client privilege, White instructs Newmans supervisor to stress to Newman how important it is that he spends the next six months with [Newmans wife] and less time with children. He testified about statutes of limitations being a benefit because memories can fade over time, and of his concerns about reviving claims which had been ended because of the current statute. In July of last year, roughly eight people identifying as victims or their family members went on air with a Texas TVnews broadcast to share their comments, their faces hidden from viewers. Introducing HB 367, Seitz emphasized the long-term importance of the bill for child sexual abuse victims and survivors. "And at 8, or 13, or those younger years, when I was trying to tell what happened to me, I didn't have the strength, I didn't have the courage, I didn't have the words or the support. And somewhat bewildered. Kanakuk leadership maintains they had no advanced knowledge of his behavior, and Newman was a "master of deception. House bill 367 cannot stop these events, but will allow for these children who are now adults, to call the people, and I use that term loosely, to be held to account and creates a path for civil actions to benefit the survivors and provide some form of restitution and accountability.. Repeated failure to abide by mandatory reporting laws for child safety, molestation and abuse. A new lawsuit has been filed against Kanakuk Kamps. Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell, Lost Boys of Sudan: St. Johns Baptist Charlotte, Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church, Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center, Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio, Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church. This lawsuit may be the tipping point that puts Kanakuk out of business, but I think Joe White must be held accountable for placing powerless young children in the path of a known pedophile. A weekend with Pete will build a father-son relationship that will never be the same. Paul Kerr, former Kanakuk counselor hired in 1998, pleads guilty tofelony sex assault of a child, as well as two other misdemeanor charges in Colorado state court. The full scope of victims is still unrealized, he added. The Missouri committee will vote on the legislation soon, and survivors are urging others to send emails to committee members in support of the bill. He said he sought legal help to hold his abusers accountable, but Missouri law denied him the opportunity to pursue justice. Under questioning from legislators, Essma said his clients concern is mostly focused on the retroactivity of the bill. He has access to thousands of children with little supervision. For decades, Joe White and other camp leaders knew about and facilitated sexual abuse against scores of children.. For years, I just fought to be myself, he said. filed by Sen. Pete Flores (R), propose the complete removal of civil statutes of limitation for sexual offenses against a child. And explain to them what he was accused of, and then later tell them that he had confessed. Phillips pointed out research into neurotrauma and said it shows the current age limitation under Missouri law of 31-years-old for the victim of the abuse is arbitrary and without scientific support. An investigation by journalists Nancy and David French, who called Kanakuk "the worst Christian sex abuse scandal you've never heard of," first reported Kanakuk's alleged early knowledge of Newman's behavior. A $20 million judgment is awarded In the Doe IX case, making it the top plaintiffs judgment in Missouri for that year. We try to watch our staff, and campers, and each other, like hawks. The retroactivity of the legislation is particularly concerning because of how it impacts organizations that rely on the law, Essma said. His sentence is justice served. On April 3, 2021, Kanakuk sent a cease-and-desist letterto No More Victims demanding that the group take down the FactsAboutKanakuk website, recently launched at that time. have a no private alone-time policy between adults and minors and, for that matter, teenage junior counselors and the children they are supervising, with exceptions only during emergencies and when those happen, a full report by the adult of who he was with, what he was doing, and why they had to be alone together. Elizabeth Phillips traveled from Texas to testify on behalf of her brother, Trey Carlock, who reached a settlement with Kanakuk after being abused by Newman, and died by suicide at age 29. Want to share a story? My heart breaks for everyone involved. "I'm now a 45-year-old woman with what I consider to be great strength, and it takes a lot of courage to get up here today and say this," she said. I know he never intended to employ a sexual predator. 11 Kanakuk has used NDAs to prevent survivors from publicly disclosing their abuse experiences and lawsuit findings. This is a centralized source for gaining knowledge and for sharing experiences and resources. Sources tell the Branson Tri-Lakes News committee members are split on whether to pass the bill. The second case, filed in federal court in Dallas, alleges Newman sexually abused a camper from 2001 through 2007, beginning when the boy was 10. A Bolivar law firm was honored last month for obtaining a $20 million judgment in a child sex abuse case involving Branson's Kanakuk Ministries. Former staff members solicited child sexual abuse material (child porn) from campers. So far, we know of over 15 deaths of despair associated with Kanakuk abuse. Witnesses said the killing happened the morning before, according to court documents. What you see here is bringing a claim for 55 years, and a reviver action, bringing them back from where they were no longer, and thats a violation of due process, AuBuchon said. No one deserves to carry the amount of shame that I experienced as a sexual abuse victim, Hoffpauir said. Part of a long list of survivors, Logan Yandell recently rejoined the fight against sexual abuse at Kanakuk Kamps by filing a petition for fraud. Two days later, survivors and advocates connected to Kanakuk and other camping organizations rallied on the steps of the Texas Capitol to promote House Bill 206 and Senate Bill 751. It names Kanakuk; its president, Joe White; and Newman as defendants. This course not only places very strict rules on any kind of potentially problematic situations, such as showering and other daily life activities, it also equips those who have completed the course to recognize the actions of someone who is grooming kids to find children that will fall prey to them. I also have a copy ofthe lawsuit that I understand is currently being filed- the defendants include Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk Kamps owner Joe T. White, and Pete Newman. Michael Essma of the Kansas City law firm Shook, Hardy, and Bacon testified on behalf of the American Tort Reform Association. To stop the harassment, one family had to file a restraining order against him. The misfortune at Kanakuk is in part a result of creating an environment in which religious fundamentalism is the order of the day and a ploy to attract clients. The law was telling me there was nothing to be done about it, and the clock had run out on me. I have all faith in Kanakuk that this wont happen. Jody Jones testified about her abuse at Kanakuk, and how the camp staff contacted her mother and encouraged her not to reach out to authorities. I have covered this case from the beginning and was in the courtroom when Pete Newman was sentenced. What would you add to this list? Its time to stop the clock for child sex abuse survivors, Phillips said. According to research, the average age of disclosure of child victims of sexual assault is 52. Trey was a Kanakuk Kamps abuse survivor and for years fought valiantly against the trauma he suffered. Survivors have also come forward with reports of child-on-child sexual abuse in other words, campers assaulting other campers. Hoffpauir noted in a public Facebook post intended to gain public support that speaking out might have been the hardest thing that Ive ever done. Other survivors are posting support on social media and sending messages to committee members. The News-Leader tried to reach White, Kanakuk CEO and board chair, for an interview Thursday by calling three phone numbers linked to him in public database records and by emailing sixaddresses linked to White and his wife, Debbie-Jo. Please consider subscribing to support vital local journalism. John Hobbs, who testified in support of the bill, and said he was abused by a former Boy Scout leader, asked: "Is it really worth today's world trying to suppress someone's life such as mine simply to save your extremely wealthy company and/or clients money? Dallas, TX 75201. Victims would have the option to report and seek justice for crimes committed against them for decades after their abuse. Kanakuk leadership then confronts Newman, who initially reveals about 15 names of boys he had abused. The string of lawsuits began after he went to prison. This is unbelievable considering the PN case. The abusive, criminal behavior Pete Newman admitted runs counter to everything Kanakuk Kamps has stood for over the past 85 years, the statement said. So I very well firmly believe that the Lord has and had and has acted on this plan for this situation. Additional coverage of abuse allegations at Kanakuk is available here: 2023 Baptist News Global. I know a few boys were horribly hurt by this mans actions, but also thousands of children were irreparably harmed by the evil this role model was hiding. The motion noted that thousands of campers attend Kanakuk camps every year and the vast majority have positive experiences., Simply put, Kanakuk truly believed they were running a good, Christian-influenced camp. In Missouri, HB 367, filed by Rep. Brian Seitz (R) and co-sponsored by Rep. Sarah Unsicker (D), proposes an extension of the civil statute of limitations. Pingback:Leading Off (3/15/11) | FrontBurner. 367, creates a cause of action for vulnerable victims to allow filing civil actions at any time before the victim is 55-years-old, and for situations which had been dismissed because of statute of limitation issues before the passage of the bill to be revived. In a signed statement, White admits he knew of Newmans naked hot tub sessions, mutual masturbation, and nude running through the camp with minors but again, made no mention of having contacted law enforcement or legal authorities about these incidents. Newman is currently serving two life sentences plus 30 years in prison. We agree with that. Stories like this are tragic, and a good reminder that you cant trust anyone completely when it comes to your kids. Parents expect camp to be a fun place for their children to deepen friendships, learn new skills, and build their character within an environment that practices the highest child safety standards. My father has also been a director of other Christian camps and I can say that this was a horrific scandal that grieved everyone in the Christian camping community. I know it. For decades, Joe White and other camp leaders knew about and facilitated activities and behaviors that classify as sexual abuse against scores of children, a pattern that may continue to occur to this day. Then Pete Newman came to his school to promote a year-round ministry run by Kanakuk and began grooming Dygert for abuse. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), West Virginia religious freedom bill headed to governor, Religious schools can build a community of faith without discriminating. White testifies to a judge prior to sentencing that he would have no problem allowing the man to babysit his own children and encourages the judge not to imprison Morgan. In 1990, Jones told a fellow camper about the abuse after once more facing her perpetrator at Kanakuk, she said, noting she was required to tell her story in a room full of camp directors, none of whom advised her to seek legal counsel. The lawsuits allege camp officials knew about the mans troubling behavior, including swimming and riding four-wheelers in the nude with campers, but failed to remove him or keep him away from children. Others in support of the bill included a survivor of sexual abuse from a Boy Scouts leader in Missouri, a family member of a Boy Scouts sexual abuse victim who died by suicide, several advocates, and an attorney for victims of sexual abuse in Kansas City, who said he has to turn away "hundreds" of victims who are past the statute of limitations. It hardly took any time at all for Pete for start sexually abusing me, Dygert testified. The editor evenposted a special piece about the process of investigating Kanakukwhich explained that, in deference to the brave survivors who came forward, they were making the articles available for free. We tell our staff we will work night and day to send any sort of offender to jail, for as long as possible. The charges included sexual misconduct, statutory sodomy and child molestation. A representative for Kanakuk did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but declined to comment on similar allegations late last year, and said that "we continue to pray for all who have been affected by Pete Newman's behavior. Signed statements by three Kanakuk leaders involved make no mention of promptly contacting law enforcement or legal authorities. http://crimesceneinvestigations.blogspot.com/2011/03/federal-lawsuit-filed-in-texas-against.html. If this camp had had AND ENFORCED a 2-adult policy, I doubt very much that Newman could have molested anyone, at least not without the active and on-the-spot cooperation of other adults. On Twitter, find him at @GregHolmanNL.