Two women have filed a lawsuit against Ohio United Methodist Church, alleging it ignored warnings about a music director who later was convicted of abusing minors.
Ohio United Methodist Church Sued Over Abuse Allegations
Two women have filed a lawsuit against the Ohio United Methodist Church, alleging the church hired a former cult member as a music director and failed to act on warnings that he was sexually abusing minors.
The lawsuit was filed Jan. 29 on behalf of two women identified as Jane Doe and Mary Doe. The plaintiffs allege they were sexually abused as minors by John Slate, now 56, while he was serving as a music director at Ohio United Methodist Church congregations.
According to the filing, Slate worked at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Beavercreek, now known as Christ United Methodist Church, and later at Parkview United Methodist Church in Miamisburg. The alleged abuse began in 2013. The lawsuit states that Slate had previously been a member of an unnamed cult in Venezuela at the time he was hired.
In 2017, Slate was convicted of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involving Jane Doe and was sentenced to probation. In 2019, he was convicted again for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involving Mary Doe and was sentenced to 36 months in prison. He was also classified as a sex offender.
The lawsuit claims church leaders had prior knowledge of Slate’s behavior but failed to investigate the allegations, report them to law enforcement as required under Ohio law, or take steps to protect minors. Instead, the filing alleges Slate was allowed to continue working and was transferred between churches.
“This case is about accountability and child safety,” said Dustin Herman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. “When institutions receive credible warnings of abuse, they have a responsibility to act.”
Court documents state that Jane Doe’s parents raised concerns with a pastor in 2014, alleging grooming and abuse. The lawsuit claims the concerns were not reported to police and that Slate remained employed. The filing further alleges that similar behavior later occurred with Mary Doe at a different church location.
The lawsuit states that both women suffered long-term psychological trauma as a result of the alleged abuse and are seeking unspecified damages and a jury trial.
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