1-0 Civil Complaint Filed
On January 13th, 2025, Shannon Simendinger filed a civil lawsuit against the Fort Kent Maine Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York.
The lawsuit alleges that three men, David Ezzy, Ernest Fyans, and Daniel Plourde committed acts of sexual assault upon the plaintiff, Simendinger from approximately 1985 to 1993 when the alleged victim was between the ages of 6 and 14. According to the complaint, both Fyans and Ezzy were both elders in the Jehovah’s Witness Church, but it is not clear if Plourde occupied an appointed position or not.
In September of 2023, Ernest “Ernie” Fyans was found guilty by a jury in Aroostook County Maine on charges stemming from the sexual assaults on Simendinger and a 2nd victim. Both victims testified to crimes committed by Fyans between 1990 and 1992. In January 2024, Fyans was sentenced by the Court to 20 years in prison, and is currently appealing his sentence.
