Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
The founding pastor of a prominent Arlington church has turned himself in to the Tarrant County jail on charges of sexual assault and indecent assault, according to Fox 4.
Ronnie Goines, 51, the lead pastor at Koinonia Christian Church, located at 2455 SE Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76018, surrendered to authorities on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He faces one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault after a woman came forward last month.
Goines previously served on Arlington's Unity Council and was a former member of the Arlington Police Department's clergy and police partnership program.
As of Friday, there was no visible activity at the church campus, and the church's phone lines indicated regular Friday closures. Police have released limited information, and the relationship between Goines and the alleged victim remains unclear.
Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims, and the sexual assault investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Arlington police.
Church administrators have not yet responded to requests for comment following the horrific allegations.
In the wake of the shocking arrest of Ronnie Goines, the founding pastor of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington, Texas on sexual assault charges, the question of legal recourse for victims has become paramount. To provide clarity and guidance, our team sat down with Anjali Nigam, an experienced Texas lawyer who has worked extensively with survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Anjali shared invaluable insights into the rights and options available to those impacted by this disturbing case.
Editor Darla Medina: Anjali, thank you for joining us today to provide some insight on this case. As a lawyer who has worked extensively with survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members, what are some of the key legal avenues victims may have in a situation like this?
Attorney Anjali Nigam: Well Darla, in cases of sexual abuse by a pastor or other clergy member, victims often have grounds to pursue civil claims against both the perpetrator as well as the religious organization. This can include seeking compensation for the harm done, as well as holding the church accountable for any negligence in failing to prevent the abuse.
DM: That's an important point. Many people may not realize the church itself could be legally responsible in these types of cases. Can you expand on that a bit?
AN: Absolutely. Religious organizations have a duty of care to protect the vulnerable members of their congregations. If there are any indications that a clergy member poses a risk, and the church fails to take appropriate action, they can be found negligent. This might include not properly vetting employees, ignoring prior complaints, or not implementing sufficient safeguards.
DM: So the victims in this case, and potentially any others that come forward, would have legal recourse against both Pastor Goines as well as the Koinonia Christian Church itself. What advice would you give to survivors considering taking legal action?
AN: The most important thing is for victims to know that they have rights and options, and that there are experienced attorneys who can help guide them through the process. It's crucial that they speak with a lawyer who specializes in clergy sexual abuse cases, as there are specific legal strategies and considerations. The path to accountability and justice can be complex, but survivors should not feel that they have to navigate it alone.
DM: Thank you, Anjali, for sharing your expertise on this sensitive but important issue. Your insights will be valuable for our readers as this story continues to unfold.
AN: Thank you, Darla. I hope that any victims from this case, or others like it, will reach out for the support and legal representation they deserve.
For victims and their families grappling with the trauma of sexual abuse by a trusted religious leader, the path forward can feel daunting. However, as Anjali Nigam has made clear, there are experienced attorneys ready to provide the support and legal representation needed to pursue justice.
If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, we encourage you to reach out for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is here to listen, advise on your rights, and guide you through the process of holding both the perpetrator and any negligent organizations accountable. No survivor should have to face this alone. Contact us today.
Sources:
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