Child Abuse Policy Archives

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."

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OAG Report

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

JW Child Abuse

Tag: Child Abuse Policy

2016: Watchtower Releases Updated Child Abuse Directive to Elders

2017: Jehovah’s Witnesses Release New Child Abuse Reporting Policy, and it’s Business as Usual

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