HAWAII
KUTV
[with video]
[the lawsuit via Fox 13]
(KUTV) Two Utah men have filed suit against the LDS church claiming they were abused by one of their leaders.
The alleged sexual abuse happened decades ago on LDS property in Hawaii where young LDS boys were recruited to pick pineapples. The victims now in their 40’s are coming forward with a new statute of limitations in Hawaii that allows them to file suit against their alleged abuser.
Until this recent change the men were left with no way to file because so many years had gone by Jacob Hubbard of Utah County says he was just 15 at the time of the sex abuse. He says, “I kept it to myself and it happened over and over again. I knew it was horrible, but I was so embarrassed about it I felt like I couldn’t tell anybody.”
Hubbard was suffering alone, but was not the only one. Kyle Spray was 16 at the time when he says he was abused. He is now 42 and worries there are a lot more out there. As teens they left their families for an exciting adventure in Hawaii. Their destination was a pineapple farm run by the LDS church. It was a place where young men could earn money and work towards serving LDS missions. It was billed as a great spiritual environment safe for LDS young men. Looking back Spray says, “It was Hawaii who didn’t want to go to Hawaii? We’re talking playing on the beach and having a good time.” But, what they say happened from 1986-1988 was anything but.
A Civil lawsuit was filed January 22nd against Brian R. Picket of Idaho falls, the LDS church, Maui Land and Pineapple, and Youth Development Enterprises. The men are seeking justice for alleged sexual abuse that happened during their time at this LDS work camp.
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