BERKELEY COUNTY (WV)
FOX 13
November 20, 2017
By Taylor Hartman
BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. – Several John Doe and Jane Doe complainants filed a lawsuit against the LDS Church, and several stake leaders Monday, saying they knowingly allowed an individual who had a history of sexual abuse near underage children.
According to a complaint filed with the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, twelve plaintiffs were suing for damages caused to them from sexual abuse while they were minors by Michael Jensen.
Jensen was sentenced to 35-75 years in prison in 2013 for first-degree sexual assault, after he allegedly abused several minors, while in a position of leadership and counsel to young church members.
The complaint logged numerous situations in which Jensen was put in a position of trust, and then allegedly sexually abused children. One victim was said to be four-years-old, when Jensen locked her in a room, and forced her to touch him inappropriately. Another victim was allegedly a two-year-old boy, who had “abrasions or burns” on his upper thighs and genitals after being babysat by Jensen.
According to those suing the church, Jensen’s parents, who were leaders at the stake, and other members knowingly put Jensen in a position of trust, despite having knowledge of past abuse.
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