Jane Roe EO 5 v. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I. FACTUAL AND LEGAL BACKGROUND

On September 3, 2024, Plaintiff filed a complaint against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“LDS”), the Temple Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Temple”), the Hemet California Stake (“Stake”), and Does 4–100 (collectively “Defendants”) in Riverside County Superior Court. [Dkt. 1-2]. Plaintiff alleges that, from 2010 to 2011, she was sexually abused by a church member, Thomas Justin Powell (“Powell”). [Id. at 4]. Plaintiff further alleges her abuse was exacerbated by her Bishop’s efforts to ratify and conceal the abuse. [Id. at 14]. The Plaintiff and Powell were members of the Hemet Stake, a local division of the LDS church, where the abuse occurred. [Id. at 24]. Plaintiff’s complaint alleges negligence; negligent supervision of a minor; Page 1 of CIVIL MINUTES—GENERAL Initials of Deputy Clerk iv sexual abuse of a minor; negligent hiring, supervision, and retention; negligent failure to warn, train or educate plaintiff; and breach of mandatory duty. [Id. at 20–28]. Plaintiff argues that Defendants had a duty to take reasonable steps to protect her from that abuse and she suffered…