An Albany woman is suing a Troy church, its pastor and a deacon in an alleged case of sexual abuse that happened when she was 5-years-old.
Abigail Barker claims in the lawsuit that Deacon Mark Rhodes of Victorious Life Christian Church sexually molested her in 1998. She is also suing the church and its pastor Dominick Brignola for alleged negligence and cover-up after being told of the incident.
Barker is suing under New York's Child Victims Act, saying she's seeking accountability for those in power.
Victorious Life Christian Church responded to NewsChannel 13’s request for a statement:
"In over 35 years of service to our beloved city we have never had any reported incidents of harm done to children in our care, on our premises, nor at the many on-going church sponsored events and ministries conducted within our community"
Governor Cuomo has signed legislation extending the window for victims to file under the Child Victims Act until August 14, 2021.