In brief
In shocking allegations, former Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Paul Havsgaard is accused of sexually abusing and trafficking children for years at a shelter in Romania. The lawsuits detail numerous instances of abuse and negligence by the church, claiming a failure to intervene despite red flags. The plaintiffs, Marian Barbu and Mihai-Constantin Petcu, describe the shelter conditions as torturous and are seeking justice for their plight. Over 20 additional claims are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former Riverside megachurch pastor has been accused of sexually abusing and trafficking children for years at a shelter he ran in Bucharest, according to lawsuits filed by two Romanian men in U.S. District Court in California.
The complaints, filed Tuesday by 33-year-old Marian Barbu and 40-year-old Mihai-Constantin Petcu, allege that former Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor and missionary Paul Havsgaard severely abused them and dozens of other children at the shelter over eight years. The lawsuits also name the church’s founder and senior pastor, Greg Laurie, alongside other senior leaders, alleging they failed to prevent the abuse.
The lawsuits accuse Havsgaard of luring struggling street children with fast food and the temptation of shelter and education. The plaintiffs expressed that they are “hurt, angry and still suffering from PTSD and social difficulties,” as stated by their lawyer Jef McAllister.
The associated allegations cite that Havsgaard would target vulnerable youth, creating an environment of fear and manipulation. Harvest Christian Fellowship issued a statement asserting that the allegations were shocking but emphasized that Havsgaard, rather than the church or its leaders, should be held accountable.
The church denied any wrongdoing, claiming the lawsuits are acts of financial extortion and insisting that they acted responsibly by supporting Havsgaard’s missionary work for a specified time period. Everyday necessities like basic oversight were allegedly ignored, despite flagged concerns and reports suggesting ongoing issues.
The plaintiffs recounted horrifying experiences, including sexual assault, forced labor, and other abuses, stating that they lived in conditions akin to a “torture chamber.” In their detailed accounts, they reflected on the lasting impact of these traumatic events, highlighting challenges in their adult lives, including issues with trust and poverty.
McAllister indicated that he anticipates filing lawsuits for at least 20 other victims in the following weeks. Their stories echo a desperate need for recognition and justice.
“They’ve had a hard slog,” McAllister noted, emphasizing their desire for their voices to be heard and for acknowledgment of the injustices they endured.
