How Much Did Church Know About Sunday School Child Sex Abusers?

According to Orlando's WESH.com, Mr. Lee is a long-time youth pastor and Sunday School teacher at Eastland Baptist Church. Apparently, the church has issued a statement indicating that it informed its congregation about Mr. Lee's arrest shortly after it happened. However, further investigation has revealed that two years ago another Eastland Sunday School teacher, Ed Wilcox, was arrested and pleaded guilty to lewd and lascivious acts against a minor. Reportedly, the leadership at the church decided at that time not to reveal Mr. Wilcox's arrest to the congregation.

As an Orlando child sexual abuse attorney, the church's decision to remain silent regarding Mr. Wilcox's arrest is very troubling, and perhaps reflects a refusal to acknowledge some realities about child sexual abuse. For example, in my experience handling child sexual abuse cases, it is very rare that an abuser will have only one victim. Most child sexual abusers will leave a trail of abuse and destruction in their wakes. It may not be obvious, and there will likely be much secrecy surrounding the abuser's past, but there is almost always a history.  It curious that Eastland would not want to find out the full extent of the abuse so that those who might have been abused might come forward and seek treatment and help.

This is why background checks and constant monitoring are critical when adults (and unfortunately, mostly men) are placed in positions of trust or care of children. In the case of Eastland Baptist Church, it would be interesting to know what, if any, real background check was done on Mr. Lee and/or Mr. Wilcox.   Also, how much monitoring was there to determine whether any of their extra-curricular activities were bleeding into their Sunday School roles.  One could argue that there appears to be something missing in the institutional management of this church that is making it attractive for child sexual predators.

If you have any questions regarding claims of child sexual abuse, call Winter Park personal injury attorney Kim Cullen at 407-254-4901.