N.D. Versus Makara Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and Watchtower New York Archives - Page 4 of 5

News Center Maine reports on the January 13th. 2025 lawsuit filed by a child abuse survivor against the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Fort Kent Maine and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York. Court documents allege that the victim was sexually abused by at least three members of the Fort Kent Congregation from the late 1980s into the 1990s. One of the abusers, Ernie Fyans, was convicted in Aroostook County Maine in September of 2023 and remains in prison on a 20-year sentence. Fyans was serving as an elder in the church during a portion of the time the crimes were committed.

The trial of Shaun Sheffer is scheduled to commence on January 13th, 2025.

The OAG reported on its website that Sheffer "is alleged to have sexually assaulted a young family member, beginning when the child was just 7-years-old. Due to their close relationship, Sheffer was often left alone with her for long periods of time during which he repeatedly raped and assaulted the young girl. He is charged with Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Corruption of Minors."

Case Docket

OAG Report

The trial is scheduled to last approximately one week in Butler County

JW Child Abuse

Document Tag: N.D. Versus Makara Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and Watchtower New York

667-0 Notice of Disaffiliation and Appearance

665-0 Order Granting Plaintiffs Motion to File Exhibits 1-6 Under Seal

661-0 Plaintiffs Motion for Default Judgment Against Kenneth Apana

655-0 Notice of Electronic Filing

654-0 Partial Stipulation for Dismissal With Prejudice of Claims against MCJW and WTNY

628-0 Order Granting Plaintiffs Motion to File Memorandum Under Seal

115-0 Defendants Responsive Pretrial Statement

79-0 Certificate of Service

68-0 Answer and Affirmative Defenses

62-0 Order Denying Motion to Dismiss

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