Four individuals have filed a lawsuit claiming that a Presbyterian minister used sexual molestation to “exorcise” evil spirits from them.

The three men and one woman claim that they were sexually assaulted by Rev. Dr. William Weaver, a former Presbyterian minister who served for 39 years.

The plaintiffs’ attorney claims that Weaver used his position within the church “for evil” and went against his faith and broke his promises to the church “by using his position of pastoral authority to harm and manipulate these victims for his own twisted desires.” Due to this, the affected plaintiffs “are now forever altered by Weaver’s evil endeavors,” according to the lawyer.

The three men in the lawsuit were the first individuals to bring accusations against Weaver. All three of the men had been seeing Weaver for counseling after various emotional and traumatic experiences. For each of the men, Weaver allegedly recommended that they undergo Native-American rituals using gemstones and candles. During the “ritual”, Weaver allegedly performed oral sex on the men without their consent.

All of the men claim that they were confused, scared, and hurt by the experience and have since experienced emotional damages as a result of Weaver’s alleged sexual assault.

More recently, a fourth plaintiff, and the only woman to bring claims against Weaver, joined the three men in the lawsuit. She claims that she actively participated in the Linden Presbyterian Church and was involved in the choir and worship and prayer committee. Eventually, she reportedly became a deacon.

However, when she was 35 she was allegedly groomed for sexual abuse by Weaver when she started to see him for counseling to help with depression, low self-esteem, and sexual assault trauma. Similarly to the other men in the lawsuit, she was allegedly coerced into participating in an unusual Native-American ritual during which Weaver initiated “unwanted sexual assault … for his own gratification.”

The sexual molestation lawsuit includes claims of sexual assault, aggravated assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misrepresentation, and gross negligence. In addition to Rev. Weaver, the lawsuit named Linden Presbyterian Church, the Presbytery of Elizabeth, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) as defendants.

According to My Central Jersey, the Elizabeth Presbytery has not yet been served the complaint but their attorney told the news source “we hope that there is a point of hope and reconciliation for everyone associated with the allegations.”

Sexual assault can take many forms. It is not always violent rape committed by unknown perpetrators in dark alleyways. Other forms of unwanted touching, sexual acts, or penetration are also considered sexual assault. In all cases, sexual assault is not the victim’s fault.

Additionally, sexual assault and sexual molestation are often committed by individuals that are close to or known by the victim. According to RAINN, 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone close to the victim. This includes cases of intimate partner sexual violence and acquaintance rape (also known as date rape). Regardless of how sexual assault happens, victims can sustain serious emotional harm and may need continued support to resolve their trauma.

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If you were a victim of sexual assault by any person in an athletic, school, medical, or employment setting, you are entitled to a free case evaluation to find out your potential remedies and compensation. Fill out the FREE form on this page for more information.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.