California Pastor Accused of Multiple Sexual Assault Crimes
Police reportedly arrested a Menlo Park pastor recently on accusations of sexual assault against adults and children. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, police began investigating these incidents after several of the alleged victims reported the 46-year-old pastor to authorities. His list of charges ranges from misdemeanors to felonies, including:
- Sexual penetration with a foreign object of a juvenile under 16
- Sexual penetration with a foreign object of a juvenile
- Sexual penetration with a foreign object of an adult
- Committing a lewd act with a child under 14
- Committing a lewd act with a child under 15
- Meeting with a minor with the intent to commit a lewd act
Monetary relief for victims of sexual assault
Pastors are trusted to provide their parishioners with spiritual guidance and counsel. People place their trust in religious leaders with the expectation that they will act in a manner appropriate to their title. When that trust is broken, especially in such a severe manner, victims are left with physical pain, but also the psychological and emotional consequences of their religious leader’s actions. These challenges can be even worse for child victims who can experience long-term effects of the abuse, even into adulthood. Therapy and counseling are often necessary to help these young people cope. This treatment comes at a substantial cost, and some parents may not have the resources to provide such care. That is where a civil claim can be of great financial value.
While the criminal justice system seeks to hold these individuals accountable, the law also provides civil relief to help victims better handle the damage that results when religious leaders commit sexual assault. While no monetary award can fully erase the pain of these tragic circumstances, a civil award can help victims take back their power and at least begin the healing process. Awards can include compensation for such damages as:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Psychological care costs
A judge may also award punitive damages as a mechanism for punishing the religious leader for his or her inappropriate actions. This monetary payment is awarded in addition to any money for compensation.
When religious leaders take advantage of the trust instilled in them, they create severe and lasting pain. When this occurs, the experienced Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys of Taylor & Ring aggressively advocate on behalf of victims and their families. Contact us today at 310-776-6390 or complete our convenient contact form.
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Serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, we represent victims in a variety of civil litigation cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury or sexual assault lawyer.
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