In a troubling development for the Christian community, a woman has filed a lawsuit against Peter Newman, a convicted former director at the Kanakuk Kamps, alleging that he sexually abused her when she was just 9 years old. The lawsuit, identified under the pseudonym “Jane Doe,” was filed in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri, and names several defendants, including Kanakuk Ministries, Kanakuk’s CEO Joe T. White, and other affiliated entities.
This lawsuit marks a significant moment as Jane Doe is reportedly the first known female victim of Newman to come forward. Her attorneys, David Mayer, Bobby Thrasher, Reed Martens, and Ryan Frazier from Monsees & Mayer, emphasize the importance of her testimony in shedding light on the alleged abuses that occurred at the camp.
According to the lawsuit, the abuse took place in 2008 while Jane Doe attended K-Kountry, a residential summer camp for elementary-aged children. The complaint describes horrifying incidents where Newman allegedly forced the young girl to perform sexual acts, threatening her with dire consequences if she spoke out. “Newman told Plaintiff that if she didn’t do such acts or said anything to anyone she would not get to go home,” the lawsuit states, highlighting the fear that surrounded her experience.
Peter Newman is already a convicted sex offender, currently serving two life sentences plus an additional 30 years for abusing multiple boys during his time at Kanakuk Kamps. His criminal history dates back to 1999, with numerous reports of misconduct that, according to the lawsuit, were largely ignored by the camp’s leadership until his eventual confession in 2009.
Joe T. White, the president of Kanakuk Kamps, has faced scrutiny in the past for his alleged knowledge of Newman’s actions. In 2015, he was sued for failing to protect campers from Newman, raising serious questions about the camp’s oversight and commitment to child safety. Since its inception in 1926, Kanakuk has welcomed over 450,000 campers, making the need for stringent safety measures even more critical.
The tragic story of one of Newman’s victims, Trey Carlock, who died by suicide in 2019, serves as a somber reminder of the lasting impact of such abuse. In his honor, Texas House Bill 748, known as Trey’s Law, aims to protect survivors of child sexual abuse from being silenced by non-disclosure agreements.
Jane Doe has bravely stepped forward, stating, “Now that I’ve found my voice, I am speaking out for my nine-year-old self and others who have been harmed by the negligence of Kanakuk.” Her lawsuit seeks damages for negligent retention, negligent supervision, and emotional distress, aiming to hold those responsible accountable.
Elizabeth Phillips, a certified crime victim advocate, praised Jane Doe for her courage. “We applaud this brave woman for coming forward publicly to hold Kanakuk accountable for Newman’s crimes against her and countless other boys and girls,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of her story in encouraging others to come forward.
This lawsuit underscores the urgent need for vigilance in protecting children within faith-based organizations. As communities grapple with these revelations, it becomes increasingly crucial to advocate for survivors and ensure that safeguards are in place to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
For more information on child protection laws and resources for survivors, you can visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). These organizations provide vital support and advocacy for those affected by abuse.