Jehovah's Witnesses Child Sex Abuse Scandal: Pennsylvania Men Charged in Ongoing Investigation

The state of Pennsylvania continues its grand jury investigation into child sexual abuse within Jehovah's Witnesses congregations in PA, with two Western Pennsylvania men recently charged. This ongoing probe, which began in 2019, has now identified 16 suspects accused of raping or molesting children, some as young as four years old.

Lower Burrell Man Faces Multiple Felony Counts

A 55-year-old man from Lower Burrell, identified as Eric Mangone, faces serious charges related to the sexual assault of two sisters:

• Three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault
• Three misdemeanor counts of indecent assault
• Misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors

The alleged assaults occurred between 1991 and 1994, involving a woman who is now 37 years old. Mangone's family was actively involved in the New Kensington and West End French Jehovah's Witnesses congregations.

Pittsburgh Man Charged with Multiple Rape Counts

Marc Zellars, 61, of Pittsburgh, faces multiple charges including:

• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
• Aggravated indecent assault
• Indecent assault

The allegations against Zellars involve the sexual assault of a woman, now 41, when she was 9 or 10 years old in 1992 and 1993.

The Ongoing Investigation

This investigation into the Jehovah's Witnesses, an organization founded in the Pittsburgh area, has revealed troubling patterns:

• Critics claim that Jehovah's Witnesses elders have treated child sexual abuse as a sin rather than a crime
• Internal files documenting abuse cases were not reported to authorities
• The investigation has led to charges against 16 suspects, with one defendant taking his own life before arrest

Implications for Religious Organizations

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse within religious institutions. It raises questions about:

• The responsibility of religious leaders to report abuse
• The need for improved child protection policies within religious organizations
• The importance of supporting survivors who come forward, often years after the abuse occurred

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Both Mangone and Zellars are currently navigating the legal system:

• Mangone was released on a $100,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 30
• Zellars waived his right to a preliminary hearing, with his bond reduced from $500,000 to $10,000
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As these cases progress, they will likely shed more light on the handling of child sexual abuse within Jehovah's Witnesses congregations and potentially lead to further investigations and charges.

Attorney Commentary

Guy D'Andrea, Esq., a respected attorney at Abuse Guardians, offers his perspective on this case: "The ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse within Jehovah's Witnesses congregations underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in all institutions, religious or otherwise. These cases often involve complex issues of delayed reporting and institutional cover-ups. It's crucial that survivors know their legal rights and that institutions are held responsible for any role they may have played in enabling or concealing abuse. As this investigation unfolds, it may pave the way for more survivors to come forward and seek justice."

Source:

https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-man-charged-in-state-probe-of-child-sexual-abuse-among-jehovahs-witnesses/