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Lawsuit Section
Sidney Daily News - June
24th 2000
2nd woman files suit
against The Way
Claiming an "exploitative sexual
relationship," a former employee of The Way International has filed a
lawsuit against the religious organization in Shelby County Common Pleas Court.
She is the second woman to sue The Way in
recent months with allegations of a sexual nature.
Ms. Parker, who listed the address of
her California attorney, filed the complaint Friday. She is seeking damages in
excess of $25,000.
In addition to The Way, 5555 Wierwille
Road, New Knoxville, defendants named in the lawsuit are Loy C. Martindale,
Rosalie F. Rivenbark, John R. Reynolds, Donald E. Wierwille and Howard R. Allen.
All have listed addresses at The Way headquarters except Rivenbark, whose listed
address is 9115 New Bremen-New Knoxville Road, New Knoxville.
The lawsuit contains claims of breach of
contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unjust enrichment, conspiracy and
engaging in corrupt activities. Damages in excess of $25,000 are sought from
Judge John D. Schmitt as well as punitive damages and other relief from the
court.
A spokesman for The Way was not available
for comment Friday night.
Mrs. Allen and Mr. Allen filed a
complaint in Shelby County against The Way in April, seeking damages for breach
of contract and other allegations. They also were former employees of The Way,
and Mrs. Allen alleged she was coerced into a sexual affair with Martindale.
According to the complaint, Parker was
recruited into The Way in 1978. It claims that followers are
"conditioned" or encouraged to become "economically and
psychologically dependent" on The Way and its leaders.
The lawsuit claims officials of The Way
promised Parker she would receive "specific financial and material
benefits" if she followed the principals The Way teaches and underwent
training. Parker spent nearly 20 years with The Way, the complaint indicates.
The Way breached this contract, it claims, by requiring Parker to submit to
"sexual assault" as a condition of employment and other
"impossible working conditions" that resulted in damage to her.
It alleges Martindale coerced Parker into
posing for "obscene photographs" and taking similar photos of
Martindale, and her marriage failed. Martindale also shared information about
other female members of The Way with Parker, it alleges, and he talked about
Parker with other women.
Under an allegation of fraud, leaders of
The Way made promises to Parker with no intention of keeping them. Instead,
officials wanted to keep Parker "available to Martindale for the
exploitative sexual relationship with The Way leadership knew Martindale enjoyed
with Parker," the complaint alleges. Also, officials convinced Parker that
"she owed a duty to serve the physical needs of Martindale, notwithstanding
her marriage vows and the teachings of The Way."
The lawsuit also alleges that leaders of
The Way conspired to defraud Parker of money and other things of value. The Way
has violated state racketeering laws with alleged acts of theft, fraud,
coercion, assault and rape.
Parker is represented by Lawrence Levy of
Sherman Oaks, Calif., and James E. Burns of Cleveland. They also represent the
Allens. She did not disclose her address because of fears of harm or threats
from people associated with The Way, the complaint indicates.
In May Martindale resigned as president of
The Way and was replaced by Rivenbark.
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