A lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court contends that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its regional units permitted a convicted sex offender to serve in leadership capacities with regular access to children, resulting in the sexual abuse of four boys.
The legal action, brought by four individuals using the pseudonyms John Roe 1 through 4, names key Church entities—including the Corporation of the President, the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop, and the Mountlake Ward—as defendants. The complaint outlines claims of negligence and emotional distress, alleging the organization failed to safeguard minors from a known threat within its ranks.
Central to the case is David Herget, who held the office of High Priest in the Mountlake Ward. His criminal background includes a 1993 conviction for raping his 13-year-old daughter. Though initially removed from church membership and sentenced to incarceration, records indicate he served only half a year in jail after influential church members submitted letters advocating for a reduced sentence.
After completing state oversight in 2001, the Church reportedly readmitted Herget to active participation. By 2002, he was rebaptized, and in 2004, his priesthood status was formally reinstated—roles that, according to the plaintiffs, bolstered his credibility among congregants.
Court filings describe how Church leadership assigned Herget responsibilities that increased his proximity to youth. These included producing weekly worship bulletins and involving boys in his home to help with printing tasks. He reportedly distributed small gifts—candy sealed inside paper—during chapel, often presenting them directly to boys in front of clergy and other members.
The suit also notes Herget’s continued involvement in seasonal events, such as portraying Santa Claus, where children were invited to sit on his lap despite his status as a registered sex offender.
All four plaintiffs were school-aged between 2001 and 2005 and say they endured grooming and sexual assault during Church-related activities. One victim was just five years old when abuse began. According to the complaint, Herget leveraged his ecclesiastical standing to separate boys from peers, introduce them to explicit material, and perform sexual acts both in his residence and on Church grounds.
Plaintiffs claim the Church actively discouraged concern over Herget’s record, urging members to view him as morally unblemished while omitting disclosures to families about the risks he posed.
Herget was arrested on July 1, 2005, facing 18 charges, including multiple counts of rape and molestation of minors. He died by suicide the next day in Snohomish County Jail.
Now adults, the plaintiffs seek accountability for what they describe as institutional decisions that favored the Church’s image over the well-being of children under its care.
Republishing Guidelines
The Real Olympic Herald
Credit the source and writer. Any republication must identify The Real Olympic Herald and the original author, and include a hyperlink back to the article in question.
Editing limitations. Changes are limited to matters of style, adjustments to length, and updates to time references. The substance of the reporting must remain intact.
Online distribution. When the story is posted online, use the canonical URL assigned to it so that search engines attribute the content to the original source.
Usage restrictions. The material may not be sold, nor may it be used primarily as an advertising vehicle.
Obtaining the file. The full story HTML can be copied for republication. Direct any questions about these terms to the newsroom.