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Hi - I’m Anjali. I am a lawyer licensed to practice law in Texas. Our attorneys fight every day for the rights of sexual abuse victims. My team and I are ready to help.
In a significant legal action that underscores ongoing concerns about institutional responsibility and oversight in religious organizations, a lawsuit has been filed by an individual using the pseudonym John Doe against The General Council of the Assemblies of God, South Texas District Council Assemblies of God, Inc., Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, U.S.A., and Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Huntsville. The case, filed in the Harris County District Court in Texas, centers on allegations of prolonged sexual abuse facilitated by the defendants.
John Doe, the plaintiff, is a legally blind individual who attended Sam Houston State University. The defendants include major religious and campus ministry organizations, specifically The General Council of the Assemblies of God, a significant religious body headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and its various associated entities.
The lawsuit alleges that from 2017 to 2022, John Doe was repeatedly sent to the home of Daniel Savala, a registered sex offender, under the guise of performing "mission work." These visits were reportedly arranged by leaders from Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Huntsville, a group active on the Sam Houston State University campus. The complaint details that Savala used his position and religious influence to commit acts of sexual abuse, exploiting the trust and religious faith of the plaintiff.
The lawsuit brings several serious accusations against the defendants, including negligence, gross negligence, and vicarious liability. It claims that the defendants failed to adequately supervise their agents and ignored Savala’s known history of sexual misconduct, thereby enabling the abuse. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges violations of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code concerning sex trafficking, accusing the defendants of benefiting from the exploitation of the plaintiff.
The lawsuit is represented by The Nigam Law Firm, PLLC, in Texas, with Anjali Nigam leading the legal team and Jill Herz, Attorney at Law, P.C., providing additional legal support. This team has articulated a strong stance on holding the involved organizations accountable for their alleged oversight failures and direct contributions to the plaintiff's harm.
Current Status
As of now, the case is proceeding through the Harris County District Court, with the plaintiff seeking damages exceeding $1 million. This includes compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages due to the alleged abuse.
The lawsuit has stirred significant attention and concern within the community, particularly among those associated with religious organizations and campus ministries. It highlights critical questions about religious bodies' responsibility to protect their members from harm and the measures they must take to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals within their communities.
This case is particularly poignant not only because of the severe allegations of abuse but also because it challenges large religious institutions to reevaluate their internal controls and the accountability mechanisms they have in place. As the legal proceedings unfold, this lawsuit may serve as a critical reference point for discussions on safety, oversight, and ethical conduct within religious and educational institutions. The outcome could potentially influence policy changes and practices aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
