OHIO
Christian Post
By Jeff Schapiro , Christian Post Reporter
June 18, 2013
A jury says an Ohio church should pay $3.6 million to a woman who was sexually assaulted as a teenager by her then pastor.
The Delaware County jury on Monday found that one or more employees of Grace Brethren Church of Delaware, Ohio, was negligent in supporting Brian L. Williams’ hiring and retention as senior pastor of Sunbury Grace Brethren Church, where he sexually assaulted the woman in 2008, according to court documents. Delaware Grace failed to properly investigate and document earlier incidents of sexually inappropriate behavior allegedly committed by Williams, the jury concluded, which allowed him to be “empowered to a greater responsibility” as senior pastor of Sunbury Grace.
“Brian Williams employment at Delaware Grace Brethren Church ended in 2004,” wrote Delaware Grace’s pastor, Gary Underwood, in a statement. “We were shocked when we heard of his criminal actions in March of 2008. However, we could never have foreseen Brian’s crimes, and our church had nothing to do with his crimes.
“We accept the jury’s verdict, but respectfully disagree with their decision. We will continue to pray for [the victim] and her family.”
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