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According to KBTX, a civil lawsuit filed in a Harris County district court has named several faith-based organizations, including the Mountain Valley Fellowship Church located at 993 Peach Creek Cutoff, College Station, TX 77845, and Texas A&M’s Chi Alpha Christian fraternity, for alleged negligence in failing to protect a 13-year-old College Station boy from child molestation.
The lawsuit, brought by the boy's father, holds Mountain Valley Fellowship Church accountable for negligence in introducing known sex offender Daniel Savala to children. Savala along with at least four Chi Alpha fraternity members have been accused of grooming and molestation. Although the fraternity members are not defendants in the suit and have not been charged with a crime, the lawsuit implicates the General Council of the Assemblies of God, North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God, Mountain Valley Fellowship, and Chi Alpha Campus Ministries in College Station, TX.
Records reveal that Savala, previously convicted of sexual abuse in 2012 for crimes during his time as a youth pastor in Alaska in the late 1990s, served time behind bars and was required to register annually as a sex offender. Despite this history, he was involved with ministry programs in the Brazos Valley, including Chi Alpha chapters at various universities.
Recent allegations against Savala include his arrest for trafficking a minor and subsequent charges of continual sexual abuse of a young child. Police reports detail instances of sexual abuse involving Savala and two young boys at his home in Houston, mirroring claims made in the Harris County lawsuit.
The lawsuit further alleges that church leaders at Mountain Valley Fellowship knew about Savala's past behavior due to founder Eli Stewart's association with him. Stewart, who was reportedly sexually abused by Savala as a child himself, allegedly supported Savala during his 2012 conviction and separation from the church in 2023 following major allegations against him.
In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, the Mountain Valley Fellowship Board of Directors declined to comment on the allegations at this time but expressed concern for the well-being of those involved. Texas A&M had previously investigated the Chi Alpha fraternity over similar allegations in 2023.
This lawsuit sheds light on a disturbing case of alleged negligence and child molestation within faith-based organizations, prompting scrutiny and calls for accountability from the implicated parties. The legal proceedings are ongoing as authorities delve deeper into these troubling accusations.
In this discussion, we explored the legal landscape surrounding cases of sexual abuse within religious institutions, with Texas-based clergy abuse attorney Marc Lenahan, shared valuable information on legal actions available to victims. This conversation highlights the legal avenues available to victims of sexual abuse by church members and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and legal counsel in addressing these sensitive matters.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Marc, thank you for joining us. In cases where victims have been sexually abused by a church member, what options do they typically have in pursuing civil action against those responsible?
Marc Lenahan, Esq. (ML): Thank you for having me, Darla. Victims of sexual abuse by church members often have the grounds to file civil lawsuits against the liable parties. These cases can hold individuals and organizations accountable for their negligence in protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.
DM: How does the legal process work for victims seeking justice through civil litigation in such sensitive cases?
ML: Victims can seek compensation for damages incurred due to the abuse, including emotional distress, medical expenses, and loss of income. Through civil lawsuits, they can bring attention to the misconduct and negligence of the perpetrators and institutions involved. It's a way for survivors to hold those responsible accountable and potentially prevent future instances of abuse.
DM: What advice would you give to individuals who have experienced sexual abuse within a religious setting and are considering taking legal action?
ML: It's crucial for survivors to reach out to experienced attorneys who specialize in sexual abuse cases. These lawyers can provide guidance, support, and legal representation throughout the process. Additionally, they guide victims through the legal proceedings while also being mindful of any statute of limitations and emotional challenges that may arise.
DM: Thank you, Marc, for explaining this important topic and shedding light on the options available to victims of sexual abuse within religious institutions.
ML: My pleasure, Darla. It's essential to empower survivors with information and resources to seek justice and healing after such traumatic experiences.
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