ryrlgrys sl.m - The Church Lady Blogs

'
K. JEANES
_ I'IICHAEL
f,lerk_oftheSuperioi
Court
BySean
Dordroe,
kuty
W/L?mnTire12:10:]{,
_ Date
Ihscriptinn
nnunt
CtE0H-67p- .-- _:--- Cffit$
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QCtrM.Durrant#001?63
c.r.t^!ESPrE,
gHrELnse DURRANT
.. - ''
73
I 9 North_l6" Street,zuiii t O-O2 Phoenix,
AZ 85020
Telephone:(602) 870-9700
3 Facsimile:(602)
4
sl.m
ryrlgrys-_-_-mi:elTornAr{oril{i
870-9783
rldunant@sillaw.com
ftceiltflAZ4StrJj
m_ailcourt documentsto :
5 Mailroom@gillaw.com
6 Attorneysfor Plaintffi
7
8
IN THE UNITED STATESSUPERIORCOURT
9
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MARICOPA
t 0 couple,Joqy and Derek Gallasher as
caseNo'
cv2o1g-oss?zg
ll
COMPLAINT
t2
Jody.andDerek Gallagher.a married
next bestfriend on behalfof Ashten
Crawley, Blpkg Gathglir
ni,rtn
t;auagner, thelr minor children"rO
l3
t4
t
(Tort, Non Motor Vehicle)
Plaintiffs.
(Jury Tiial Requested)
and
l5
LgeMctr'arlan4,Apd S_andra
_Dsle
Kay
McFarland,husband
ina *ilJ; n"Oi"ot
unurctrAssembly
Of God,anArizona.
t 7 cgrporatlon;
ArizonaDistrictCouncilOf
ThCAssem-Ulies
1 8 corporation, Of God-,ilii;;;'
l6
19
'20
2l
Defendants.
Plaintiffs JoDY GALLAGHER and DEREK
GALLAGHER, husbandand wife, and
Jody and Derek Gallagheras next bestfriend
on behalfof Ashtencrawley, Blake Gallagher
22 andAustin Gallagher,their minor children,
for their
23
l.
24
2'
26
3.
complaintagainstDefendantsallege:
Plaintiffs are residentsof yavapai county, Arizona;
Defendant,Dale Lee McFarland,And Sandra
Kay McFarlandare husbandand
25 wife anda residentsof MaricopaCounty,
Arizona;
Defendant,RADIANT cHuRcH AssEMBLy
oF GoD, is an Arizona
2 7 corporationlocatedin and doing business
in Maricopacounty, Arizona;
I
4.
DEfCNdANg
ARIZONA DISTRICT COL'NCIL OF THEASSEMBLIES
2 GoD, is an ,A,rizonacorporationlocatedand doing businessin
Maricopa
3
5'
4
Arizona;
s
6'
OF
County, Arizona;
The actsandeventshereinafterdescribedtook placein Maricopa
County,
Plaintiffsexperienced
seriousfamily traumain 2010whentheir thirteenyearold
6 daughter,Ashten,waspreyeduponby a youthministerin a.,christian,,church prescott.
in
7 This youth ministerattempted,successfullyfor a time, to persuade
Ashtento accuseher
8 parentsof sexualmistreatmentandto be takenfrom their homeby CpS for
her protection,
but
9 with the underlyingobjectiveof havingher move into his home. It was later
learnedthat he
l0
had senther over fiffy pagesof text messages
in a period of four days,at all times of the day
l1
and night and hadpersonal,one-on-on€counselingwith Ashtenwithout
t2
or consentin his grossefforts to get her to abandonher parentsand
her parentsknowledge
every other adult having
1 3 influencein her life.. This despicable
behaviorwasuncoveredandAshteneventually
moved
t 4 backhome. Ashtenconfessedher dishonestyand manipulationby the youth
l5
l6
minister and the
family beganits recoveryandreconciliationprocess,includingseekingprofessional
help.
7'
BeginningAugust2010,asan importantpart of the recoveryandreconciliation
t 7 gffort, Plaintiffs contactedand counseledwith DefendantDale Lee McFarland
(hereinafter
'McFarland"
18
or'?astor Lee'), who had beenknownandadmiredas their trustedand
1 9 honorablepastorby Jody andDerek GallagherbeforePlaintiffs movedto the prescott
area.
20 Derek andJody had beenparishionersof RadiantChurchunderMcFarland,spastorship
for a
2l
22
periodofsevenyears.
8'
The initial counselingsessionwaswith JodyandAshtenat McFarland,s
offrce in
23 Radiantchurch. Thereafterfor a periodof 11 monthsMcFarlandcontinued'his
counselingof
24 Jodyby email,phone,text messaging
and facebookmessages.Regularly,
25 to Jody.wouldbe severaltimesin oneday includingfrequentlate
night
26
9'
his counselingtexts
contacts.
McFarlandknewthat Plaintiffs,Jodyand Derekwereboth vulnerable
and
27 hurtingfrom the haumaresultingfrom the unconscionable
breach
of trust by the pedophilia,
1 faithlessand.manipulative
PrescottPastor.McFarlandalsoknewthat plaintiffs,
in their
2
3
4
grieving,desperatelyneeded,wantedand expectedhonest,honorable
and caring counseling
andspiritualguidancewhich he agreedto offer.
l0'
McFarlandknew that JodyandDerekGallagherwerein a stateof vulnerability
5
and deepdespair' He alsoknew that Jody was deeplyiqjured,honestlyhurting,
6
openlypleadingfor his guidanceas her trustedpastor.He knew that he w.asin position .
a
of
kust andconfidencewith Jodywhensheemptiedher hbartandtold McFarland
everyconcern,.
7
8
9
l0
l1
t2
13
and was
insecurityand feeling shehad in orderto get desperatelyneededhelp with her personal
devastation,profoundtraumaand the family tragedy.
Il'
McFarlandbreachedhis duty asa pastorand counselorwhenbeganmanipulating
a wlnerable Jodyfor his personi.l,pervertedsexualpleasures.He skillfully formulated
and
executedhis maliciousand effectiveplan to isolateher from Derek.
12-
McFarlandtold Jodythat he was recbivingdirectionfrom God regardinghis
t 4 counselto her andtold her thatDerekhadabandoned
her emotionally.
l5
13.
Concurrentlywith his'adviceto Jodythat Derekwascausingher perpetual
t 6 emotionaldistressandtelling her of God's counselthatDerekwasno goodfor her,
McFarland
t 7 "love bombed"Jodywith romanticdeclarations
telling her of his love for her andGod,s
l8
l9
approvalof him andJodybecomingsexuallyinvolved. This resultedin greatconfusion
to
Jody and causedher to distanceherselfemotionallyfrom Derek which causedadditional
20 emotionalproblemsfor Derekwho couldnot understand
Jody'sactionsin drawingherself
2l
22
a\trayfrom him.
14.
During this sameperiodfrom September,
2010untilApril Z1Il,Jody, at
23 McFarland'srequestmadeweekly or bi-weekly trips from Prescottareato Radiant
churchon
24 Sundaysto attendMcFarland'ssermons.Every time,prior.tothe servicecommencing,
25 McFarlandwould seekout Jodywherevershewassitting,hugher intimately,
tell,
her how
26 beautifulshewas and that he lovesher. During the servicehe would text her askingher
to
27 meetwith him againafterthe service. ThesemeetingsbecameMcFarland,s
opportunity
to
I
"counsel"briefly with Jodyfaceto face,tell her of his growinglove for her andgive extended
)
hugsbeforeJody went backto prescottarealater in the day.
l5-
4
Beingdevastated
overthe fact that their marriage*as clearlydisintegratingfor
reasonscompletelyunknownto Derek,he aranged to get his own personalcounseling
from
5
McFarland,his trustedpastor. Derek met with McFarlandat his office in Radiantchurchin
6
March,2011. Derekpouredout hisheartto McFarland,tellinghim of his love for Jodyandhis
7
childrenand his completeinability to understandwhy his farnily was falling apartandJody
:
drawing away from him.
5
I
9
16.
After his counselingmeetingwith Derek,McFarlandtold Jodythat Derekwas
l0
the most dangerousand violent man he had ever seenand that he was personally..scaredto
ll
death"of Derekduringhis counselingsession,andevenaddedthat in alt of his fourteenyears
t 2 of beinga pastorhe was neverso physicallyafraidof someonethanhe wasof Derek. He
l3
stronglyadvisedJody to changethe locks on.thehousefor the safetyof herselfand their
t 4 children. McFarlandcounseledJodythat sheshouldaccomplishtheseactionswith all haste.
1 5 for the protectionof Jody andthe children.
l6
l7
that Derekstay
. 17- Jodyreliedon andfollowedMcFarland'scounsel,demanded
away from their homeand filed for speedydivorcealthoughshehad recentlydiscoveredthat.
t 8 shewaspregnant.
l9
18.
McFarlandknewthat Derekhadalsolookedto him ashis trustedspiritual
20 professionaladvisor,PastorandCounselor.
2l
19.
Derekhonestlyandsincerelytold McFarlandon severaloccasionsoin,, personal
22 concemsandneeds,to his concernfor his family, aswell asto his surpriseandconcernthat
23 Jody's love for him seemedto be disappearingmysteriously.
24
20.
McFarlandknewthatDerekreliedon him to providesupfort duringthis
25 vulnerabletime.
26
21.
'
Ratherthanprovidingthe supportDerekneeded,McFarlandintentionallyand
27 maliciouslymisrepresented
the informationDerek entrustedto McFdrlandin his reportto Jody,
I
accusingDerekof dangerous,
violent andabusivetendencies.McFarlanddid this knowing
2
that it would exacerbate
Jody'sexistingconfusionandmultiply hel fearsand insecurities.
.3
4
.
22.
Concurrently,while in McFarland'scounselwith Derek,McFarlandminimized
5
the marital and family traumaDersk was so devastatedwith. McFarlandtold Derek that he
had not had any contactor communicationwith Jody after the initial counselingsessionwith
6
Jody and Ashten. He falsely proclairnedhe had no infofmationregardingthe marital crisis
7
otherthan what informationDerekprovided. McFarlandevencunninglyand deceptively
I
offeted Derek falsehope,including inappropriatemedicaladviceall while he was secretlywith
9
forethoughtand malice orchestratingthe destructionof Jody and Derek's marriageand the
l0
l1
dissolutionof their family unit.
23.
McFarlandknew that Jodywas despondent
becausesheandDerekhadlost their
t 2 homein the valley throughforeclosureand had beenreluctantto move from her comfortable
1 3 homein the valley to the Prescottarea. Jodyievealedto him in confidencethatshehadnever
t 4 cometo full reconciliationwith the moveandits effectson her personalfeelings..
l5
l6
24.
McFarlandknew of Jody'sserious.concerns
abouther daughterAshtbn,who had
beenbehayedby a "Christian" youth ministerand for a time droveAshten from her family.
t 7 McFarlandfurther knew that the victimization of theii daughterby the Prescottyouth pastoras
I E well as their move to Prescotthad a placeda strain on their marriage.
19
25-
Takingadvantage
of her vulnerability,McFarlanddeclaredhis .,love"to Jodyin
20 perpetualtext messages
to herphone,messages
to her Facebookpage,e-mailsto her,gifu,
2r
moneyandregularin-personcontacts.McFarlandintentionallymanipulatedJodyusing
22 bombardments
of proclaimedromanticlove,complimentsand flattery.Altwhile falsely
23 disparagingDerek as well asdisparaginghis own wife in a calculatedand successfuischeme
24 compromiseJody'sdmotionalwlnerability andgainher empathy.McFarlandbeinga
25 seasoned
pastorof over l4 yearsis andwas acutelyawuueof thepower imbalancebetweena
26 pastorandhis parishionersandchoseto exploitthis powerimbalancewith bothJodyand
27 Derekasis his practicedroutine.
I
26.
As his messages
becamernoregraphicaridpersonal,McFarlandgradually
2 increasedthepornographicstyleof his communications
andevenpersuaded
Jodyto sendhim
a
J
nudepicttuesof herselfandto exchangenudepicturesof himself. He proposedclandestine
4
meetingsat motels,including one in PrescottnearwhereJody lived, andprovidedher cashfor
)
suchpurposes.He describedin crudeandrudetermshis desire1serp***r:her on his Harley
6
and told of his visions of her private'1vet" body partsand "Ah-m azing,,otherbody features
7
8
that he describedin crudeways and intimatedetail.McFarlandsharedhis fantasiesand
dreamsof the trvo of them having a future togetherasa couple,vacationingtogether,having
9
sexualexploitson sunsetbeachesand sharingcoffeetogethereyerymorning at the breakfast
l0
ll
table.
27,
He told Jodyrepeatedlythat sheis the'onlywomanfor him andthat sheis his
t 2 dreamgirl forever.Jodylookedto.McFarlandasher trustedadvisor,someoneshecouldal
1 3 trust. However,insteadef offering her sound,reasonableadviceand directionthat could
t 4 benefither, he purposefullyintroducedher into his life of depravedpornography,adultery,
l 5 scheming,lies andthe abandonrnentof her marriageandfamily with thi intent that it would
l6
leadto the destructionof her marriageand family, which he knew would be going against
T 7 everythingsheeverbelievedin or truly desired.
18
I9
28.
McFarlandintentionallyandcleverlymixedselectedpastoraladvicewith
messages
of personalpornography.He repeatedlyassuredJody that he hasbeenreceiving
20 regularinspirationfrom God regardinghis counselto Jody and evenassuredher that not many
2l
people'makehis personalprayerlist, but sheis on top of it. He repeatedly"wamed,,Jodywith
22 predictionsof extremedangerfrom Derek and fabricatedwarningsof Derek'spropensityfor
23 violenceto her andthe children. He did this aspart of his plan to succumbher into an
24 extftrmaritalaffair with him. Theseunrelentingefforts were effectivein causingJody to
25 believethat her spiritual leader,the tnrited PastorLee, loved her and dangerousDerek must be
26 put out of her life.
27
t
29.
2
to leavetheir homeand filed for divorce.
J
30.
4
.5
6
7
8
, .9
McFarland'spervertedschbmewassuccessful
to the extentthatJodydid ask
McFarlandeventuallymanipulatedthe vulnerableand confusedJody into having
physicalsexualrelationswith him in the innersanctumof thepastor'schambersafterhe
anangedfor all staff to be absent.This beingthe very sameplacewhereMcFarlandprovided
Derek marriage.ounr.iing just daysafterhaving sexualrelationswith Derek,swife Jody.
31.
It waspartof McFarland'smaliciousplan to separate
Derek'andJody,s
counselingby doing the bulk of counsellngUy.phoneor text messages,
so that he could create
an illusion of trust to Derek andJody separately,and facilitatehis misrepresentation
to Derek
l0
andJodyfor thepurposeof achievinghis manipulation.of
Jody.McFarland'stenacityin
ll
driving Jodyaway from her husbandand childrenwas supportedby his frequentproclamations
t2
to Jodythat he was doing everythingin his power to get her movedback down to Surprise.
l3
32.
McFarland'sabuseof Jodyandhis misrepresentation
to Derekdid not ceaseuritil
t4
his pervertedactswerediscoveredby DerekaroundJuly l5s, 201l, H: caniedon his clever,
l5
clandestine,
maliciousschemefor in excessof eleven(11) monthsof continuousabuseof
l6
Plaintiffs, Evendufinghis misrepresentations
andpretenses
of beinga trustedcounselorto
t7
Derek,McFarlandcontinuedto manipulateJody in an effort to continuehavingphysicalsexual
l8
relationswith him.
l9
33.
Plaintiffsexperienced
greatemotionatdistressasa resultof McFarland,s
20 maliciousacts.
2l
34,
Althoughtheyhavediscovered
McFarland'slow-life legerdemain
andhave
22 beguneffortsto rebuildtheir lives,to this dayJody,Derekandtheir family arestill undergoing
23 counselingandtherapyin an effort to recoverfrom this betrayal.Suchcounselingwill
24 probablycontinueindefinitely
25
35.
As a resultof McFarland'smaliciousactsandrecklessbehavior,McFarland
26 placedDerek underenonnousstress,which causedDerek to developsevereanxiety and
27 chronictensionheadaches
in additionto exacerbating
a latentneurologicalconditionwhich his
I
doctorstell him he will strugglewith for the remainderof his life. The shessevencaused
2 Derekto call into questionwhosebabyJody was carrying,addingto the fact that the baby has
3 Down syndromeandhadothercritical ailmentsduringgestation,furthercausingDerekto
4 emotionallydetachfor a periodof time from the preciouschild his wife was carrying.Derek
5
exertedgreateffort to believethis developingchild to be his andto love him deeptyregardless
6 of the challengeshe knew would be thereafter the child was born.
7
36.
AshtenCrawley,QlakeGallagherand Austin Gallagher,the minor children in
E family, were shockedand severelytraumatizedby the breakup of their householdwhen the
I
10
1l
divorcewas filed and their fatherwas forced to move out.
37.
Plaintiffshaveincurredand iontinue to incur muchexpensein lost work time,
alternativehousingcosts,legalfees,medicalbills andpersonaland family counseling- all due
t 2 to McFarland'sunconscionably
gross,purposeful,ruli.iour, intentionalactsand
l 3 misrepresentation.
l4
38.
Throughoutthe time of the abuse;the DefendantArizona District Council of the
l 5 Assembliesof God (hereinafter"Assembliesof God") andDefendantRadiantChurch
1 6 Assemblyof God (hereinafter"RadiantChurch")hadnoticeof McFarland'smalicious
t 7 characterfrom various'sources
includinga commentabouthim to a newsbrticleregarding
l8
RadiantChurchand reportsfrom staff at RadiantChurch.Afte.rdiscovering.theabuse,Derek.
l 9 spokewith PastorMike Cool of theLife PointeChurchAssembliesof God in prescottValley.
20
2l
39-
Defendant,SandraKay McFarlandknewabouther husband'sadulterous
behaviorand his penchantfor pursuingvulrierablewomen congregantsof his flock, marriedor
22 unmarriedandwascomplicitin his behaviorby choosingto allow it to continue,knowing
23 otherwomenwould be harmedandvictimized.
24
2s
40.
Assembliesof God exercisesand hasthe rightsto controlnademarks,signage,
writtenmaterials,publicationsandselectionor retentionof pastorsfor RadiantChurch.
26 Assembliesof God receivesproceedsfrom RadiantChurchandpublishesguidelinesfor
27 operation.
1
)
3
4
'5
6
7
8
9
l0'
l.l
r2
41.. Assembliesof God andRadiantChurchalsohavenoticeprior to the incident
basedon McFarland'sstaff.assistants'previous
attemptsto reachout to other.Assemblies
of
God pastorsregardingMcFarland's inappropriatebehavior.
42.
McFarlandis or wasthe CEO,Presidentand thepublic facefor RadiantChurch.
43.
RadiantChurchis a prominentmemberof the Assembliesof God..
44'
Assembliesof God and RadiantChurchrecognizeandendorseMcFarlandas
a
pastorfor Radiantchurch andthe Assembliesof God
organization.
45'
.
Assembliesof God recognizesand endorses
RadiantChurchasa membeichurch
of its organizatior..
46'
Assembliesof God and RadiantChurchknew or reasonably
shouldhave
'
known
'
that McFarlandengagesin counselingfor congregantsof Radiant
church.
47'
RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God knew of Lee McFarland,sphilandering
l3
andpastoralabusebut choseto facilitatehis abuseby leaving
him in his positionashead
I 4 pastorof RadiantChurchwithout taking any correctiveor disciplinary
actionbecauseof Lee
l 5 McFarland'sremarkabtecharismaticability to bring in congregantsand substahtial
financial
l 6 contributions,and by so doing putting profit beforethe safetyandrights
of their congregants.
l7
IE
qL.dIMS FOR RELIEF
l9
20
48'
2l
49-'
COUNT T: BREACH oF FIDUCIARY DUTY
Plaintiffs incorporateby referenceall the allegaiionsaboveas
if restaiedherein.
DefendantMcFarlandwasactingasa counselorto plaintiffs
betweenAugust
22 2010andJuly15,2}tt.
'
23
50' McFarland
knewthatPlaintiffssoughtmaritalandpersonal
counseling
fromhim
24 shortlyfollowinga difificultandemotional
traumaPlaintiffsandtheirfamilyhadexperienced
25 in Prescott.
26
27
5l '
McFarland knew that Jody was emotionally vulnerable
when she met with him
for counselingand as their remote counselingcontinued
for nearly a full year.
I
52.
McFarlandknew that Derekrelied on him as a trustedpastorand confidantwhen
2 Derekmet with him for counselingandthereafterin their phoneandemailcounseling.
3 McFarlandalsoknew thatDerekwasemotionallyvulnerableandbrokehbecauseof Derek's
4
forthright and full descriptionof his marital concernsand his personaldistressarising
therefrom.
6
53.
McFarlandknew that the parishionersPlaintiff trustedhim and expectedfrom
7
him a duty of loyalty and duty to exercisehbnorable,profes5ionalskill andcare,including a
8
duty of confidentiality
9
l0
l1
54.
McFarlandknew that Plaintiffs expectedhim to counselthem in a mannerthat
would servePlaintifPsbestinterests.
55.,
McFarlandbreachedhis fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffswhenhe usedthe infiorrnation
r2
he had obtainedfrom his counselingsessions
with DerekandJodyto facilitatehis
l3
manipulationof Jody into an extramaritalaffair with him.
t4
56.
McFarlandalsobreachedhis fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffswhenhe usedthe
1 5 informationhe had obtainedfrom his counselingsessionswith Derek to fabricatea story to
t 6 Jodyand instilledin,herthat Derekwasdangerous,
proneto violence,anda threatto her and
l7
l8
her ch.ildren.
57.
McFarlandalsobreachedhis fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffswhen,insteadof
t 9 . counselingthemandassistingthem in resolvingtheir maritalandpersonalissues,he
2A maliciouslyusedthe informationobtainedfrom his individualcounselingsessions*ith them
2 T fabricatea web of lies designedto andsuccessfulin breakingtheir marriageapait. This, in
22 turn, causedprofoundemotionaltraumato their children,eachof whom were already
23 strugglingto recoverfrom their family's previoustrauma. Thesesuccessfulattemptsby
24 McFarlandto not only destroythe Gallagher'smarriage,but to crushanddissolvetheir entire
25 far4ily unit, seriouslycausedsetbacksin their recoveryand forcedinto them u *hol. n"*
26 world of deep, deep trauma and insecurities.
27
I
58.
JodyandDerekwere alreadystrugglingto re-buildtrustin their childrenthat not
1
all pastorsareevil men.'Now, this may actuallyhavebecomeimpossible,sinceMcFarland's
J
actionwent againsteverythingJody andDerek havetaughttheir ehildrenand againstwhat they
4
haveformerly believed. Thp Gallagherfamily hasbeenso profoundly damagedat the
J
purposefulhandsof MoFarland,neitherJody,Derekor their,childrenwill everlikely developa
6 trustingrelationshipwith a spiritual leadernor enjoy the.benefitsof attendingchurchtogether
1 asa family astheyhadpreviouslyroutinelyenjoyed.
59. McFarlandalsobreachedhis fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffswhenhe, knowingthai
I
' 9 Plaintiffs expectedtheir communication
with him to be confrdential,betrayedthat trust and
1 0 breachedthe confidenceby'pretendingto providesincereandhonestpersonalcounseling
1 1 servicesto Derek in orderto obtain informationfrom him which McFarlandusedto fabricate
t 2 the most effectivestoriesto feed into Jody's fearsand insecuritiesand inducedher into his.
13, manipulation.Furtheraddingto the breach,anotherfernalecongregantreachedout to Jody and
l 4 Derek,repeatingconfidentialinformationregardingthe Gallagher'swhich McFarlandhad
1 5 sharedwith her.
I6
' 60.
McFarlandis liableto Plaintiffs,in an amountto be setby thetrier of facts,but
t 7 which shouldbe a substantialamount,no lessthana total sumof $6,650,000.00
18.
61.
McFarland'sactionsarea clearexampleof an evil handguidedby an evil mind
t 9 in its questto destroya marriage,in which the lives of multiple innocentchildren andan
20 innocentfamity unit was involved,andsatisS his own carnaldesires.For his breachof
2l
fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffs,McFarlandshouldbe assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto
22 be setby the trier of facts,but which shouldbe in an amountto discouragesuchoutraleous
23 behaviorby McFarlandand otherssimilarly situatedin the future,no lessthan a total sum of
24 $6,650,000.00.
25
26
27
COUNT II:
62.
INTENTIONAL-INFLICTION OF EMOIIONAL DIsTRESs
Plaintiffs incorporateby referenceall the allegationsaboveas if restatedherein.
I
2
63.
Plaintiffs,Jodyand Derek,andeachof their children,havebeenexposedto
intenseemotionaldistressbecauseof the intentionalactsof DefendantMcFarland.
McFarland
3 executedthis depravedfancywith the well plannedintentof assaulton eachmemberof thb
4 Gallagherhousehold,effectivelyexecutedwith well practiced,experienced
precisionthat
5 resultedin the continuedemotionaltraumaleavingeachmemberof the Gallagherhouseholdin
,6
a endlessstateof chronictrepidationanduncertainty.McFarlandactedwith
intentand malice
7
whenhe seducedJody,andactedreiklesslyin sendingher sexuallyexplicit
messageand
8
emailsin the hopesof seducingher and destroyingher marriagewith Derek.
9
64'.
McFarland'sconductwasextremeandoutrageous
as he intentionallyisolated
1 0 Derek and Jody in orderto facilitateand carry
out his plan to makeher
ll
further vulnerableby
contaminatingher mind with groundlesslies aboutDerelg evenafter
knowing that
Jody had
t 2 becomepregnant.
t3
65'
McFarland'sconductwasextremeandoutrageous
ashe took advantageof Jody,s
t 4 vulnerablestateof mind andbombardedher with a mix of pastoral
adviceand perverted
l 5 "spiritual" messageswith the intent to slowly deceiveJodythat was
he
her,.goodpastor,,who
t 6 wasdeeplyin love with her,all for thepurposeof deceivingher
into havesexwith him.
t7
l8
19
66.
Jodysufferedfrom severeemotionaldistressandhadto.undergo,and is still
undergoing,extensiveandexpensivecounseling.
67.
The minor childrenhavesufferedand continueto suffer severeemotional
di
20 as the result of McFarland'sunconscionablebetrayaland
the devastatingeffectson the family.
2l
McFarlandknew therewere minor childrenwhoselives and securitieswould
be destroyed,but
22 he continuedto pursuehis'sexualgratificationswith Jody
in spiteof suchknowledge.
23
'24
68'
Dereksufferedfrom severeemotionaldistressandhad to undergo,and
is still
undergoing,extensiveandexpensivecounseling.In addition,to
the mentalandpsychotogical
25 damage,McFarland'sconductcausedDerekto losework
becausehe has
developedsevere
26 anxietyandchronictensionheadaches
andexperienced
the exacerbation
of a latent
27 conditionwhich will affecthim for the restof his
life.
l2
I
'2
3
69.
McFarlandis liableto Plaintiff s for causingtheir severeemotionaldistressin an
amountto be setby the trier of facts,no lessthana total sumof $6,650,000.00.
70- 'McFarland'sactionsarea clearexampleof an evil handguidedby an evil mind
4
in its questto deshoya marriage,in which the lives of multipleinnocentchildrenandan
5
innocentfamily unit was involved,andsatis& his own carnaldesires.For his breachof
6
fiduciaryduty causingintentionalemotionaldistressto Plaintiffs,McFarlandshouldbe
7
assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto be set by the trier of facts,but which shouldbe in
I
an amountto discouragesuchoutrageousbehaviorby McFarlandand othErssimilarly situated
9
in the future,no lessthana total sum of $6,650,000.00.
l0
CdUNTITI:-NEGLIGENTINFLIcTIoN oF EMoTIoNAL DIsTREss
t1
7L.
Plaintiffs incorporateby referenceatl the allegationsaboveas if restatedherein.
t2
72.
Plaintiffs, Jodyand Derek haveboth beenexposedto intenseemotionaldistress
t 3 becauseof the negligenceof McFarland.
t4
l5
l6
73.
McFarlandknew that Jody was emotionallyand mentally fatiguedand wlnerable
from the prior.eventsthat initialiy led her to seekhelp from him.
74.
McFarlandknew or shouldreasonablyhaveknownthat his maliciousactswould
t 7 posean unreasonable
risk of distress.
l8
75.
JodyandDerekexperienced
distressasa resultof McFarland'sactsthatcaused
1 9 suchemotionalandmentaltraumathat Jody andDerek had to g0 through andcontinueto go
20 throughlengthycounselingto begin to recover,
2l
76.
JodyandDerekalsosufferedand developedgnxietyandchronictension
22 headachesas a resultof the intensedistress.As a result of the traumaexperiencedby Derek
23 his latentneurologicalconditionwasexacerbated
which requireshim to takea regimentedhost
24 of pharmaceuticals
that arehighlyrisky with putativeprofoundsideeffects.
25
77.
McFarlandis liableto Plaintiffsfor causingtheir severeemotionaldistressin an
26 amountto be setby the trier of facts,but which shouldbe no lessthana sumof $6,650,000.00.
27
l3
I
78'
McFarland'sactionsarea clearexampleof an
evil handguidedby an
2
in its questto destroya marriageand loving
3
own carnaldesires' For his negligentinfliction
4
McFarlandshouldbe assessed
exemplarydamagesin
evil mind
family unit for the solepu{poseand satis& his
of seveieemotionaldistressto plaintiffs.
an amountto be setbv the rtrier of facts,
but which shouldbe in an amountto discourage
suchoutrageousbehaviorby McFarlandand
5
otherssimilarlysituatedin thefuture,no ressthan
a totarium of $6,650,000.00.
6
7
.
8
COUNT IV: ACTUAL FRAUD
79.
Plaintiffs incorporateby referenceall the allegations
aboveas if restatedherein.
9
80. McFarlandmadea representationto Jody that
Derek was dangerous,violent and.
1 0 . posedgreatthreatto Jody and her children.
81'
McFarlandmadetheseallegationsknowingthat
theywereuntrueand completely
t 2 fabricatedby him.
.ll
13
t4
l5
l6
t7
82'
Theseallegationswerematerialin distortingJody's
impressionof Derekduring
her vulnerablestate.
' 83'
McFarlandclearlyintendedto distortDerek'simage
andmisguideJodyso that
he could.manipulateher.
84'
Jody trustedMcFadandand believedhis lies to
1 8 becauseof his position as her long time pastor
and
l9
85'
86.
23
87'
counseror.
Jodyreasonablyand reliedon theseallegations
as'beingtrue
20 divorceagainstDerek as aresult of theselies.
2l
be true; her trust was reasonable
and filed for .
Both Jody and Derek and their childrensuffered
emotionaldistressand financial
. 2 2 loss from this fraud,
24
25
26
27
McFarlandis liableto Plaintiffsfor the 6motional
distressand financialloss.
McFarlandis liable to Plaintiffs, in an amount
to be setby the trier of facts,but which should
be a substantialamount,no lessthana totar
sumof $6,650,000.00.
88'
For his fraudulentactionto Plaintiffs, McFarland
shouldbe assessed
exemplary
damages'His actionsarea clearexample
of an evil handguidedby an evil mind in its quest
to
I
destroya marriageand satisfr his own carnaldesires. For his intentionallyfraudulent
2 representations
anddeceptionMcFarlandshouldbe assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amount
5
to be set by the trier of facts,but which shouldbe in an amountto discouragesuch
outrageous
4
behaviorby McFarlandandotherssimilarly situatedin the future,no lessthan a total
sum of
)
$6,650,000.00.
.
6
COUNTV: CONSTRUCTM FRAUD
7
89'
8
90.
9
l0
Plaintiffs'incorporate
by referenceall the allegationsaboveas if restatedherein.
McFarlandowesa fiduciary duty to Jody andDerek as their pastorand
counselor.He hasa duty of loyalty andconfrdentiality,
which he breacheddishbnestlyand
camally.
ll
91.
McFarland'sbehaviorviolatesthattrustandduty; and'asa pastor,his actions
t 2 violate the confidencethat Jody andDerek, aswell as mernbersof the public, would expect
1 3 from him.
L4
92:
McFarland'sactionnot only broughtJodyandDerekpersonal'injury,it also
t 5 injuredthepublic's view andimageof onein a positionof minister,.pastoror religiousleader.
T6
t7
l8
93.
JodyandDerekwerejustified in relyingon McFarlandto be honestandtruthful.
as suchreliancehasbeenlong establishedin the heartsof the public throughhisiory and '
societalexpectations.
l9
94.
Thus,by breachingthis confidenceandduty, McFarlandhdscommitted
20 constructivefraud on Jody and Derek
2I
95.'
Both Jody andDerek sufferedemotionaldistressand financial loss from this
22 fraud.
23 ,
.96. McFarlandis liableto Plaintiffsfor the emotionaldistreisandfinancialloss.
24 McFarlandis liable to Plaintiffs, in an amountto be set by the trier of facts,but
which should
25 be a substantialamount,no lessthana total sumof $6,6s0,000.00
26
97-
His fraudulentactionsarea clearexampleof an evit handguidedby an evil
27 in its questto destroya maniageandsatis$ his own camaldesires. For his fraudulent
mind
action
l5
I
to Plaintiffs,McFarlandshouldbe assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto be setby the
2 trier of facts,but which shouldbe in an amountsufficient to discouragesuchourrageous
J
behaviorby McFarlandandotherssimilarly situatedin the future,no lessthana total sum of
4 $6,650,000.00.
5
COUNT VI: LOSS OF CONSORTIUM
6
98.
7
99.
8
'9
l0
1l
l2
l3
l4
l5
l6
Plaintiffsincorporateby referenceall the allegationsaboveas if restatedherein.
Plaintiffswerecounseledby McFarland
100. McFarlandwas in a fiduciarypositionof trustandconfidencewith plaintiffs.
101; McFarlandbreachedthis duty of trustandconfidencein counselingJody to take
herselfand her childrenaway from Derek.
102. JodyandDereksuffereda lossof consortiumwhenJodytook McFarland's
adviceand kept Derek out of the houseand frled for divorce.
103. In addition,McFarland'ssexualmisconductwith Jodythroughhis cunning
deceptioncausedfurtherinjury to JodyandDerek'scordialand intimaterelationship.
104. As a resultof this injury, the couplehavebeenandstill areattendingmarriage
counseling,andarestill strugglingto recoverandrebuildtheir onceloving dndtrusting
T 7 relationship.
IE
l9
20
2l
22
105. The marital relationshipwas harmedenoughto warrantrecoveryfor loss of
consortium
106. McFarlandis liable to Plaintiffs for causingthis greatloss in an amountto be set
by the trier of facts,no lessthana total sum of $6,650,000.00
107. McFarland'.sactionsare a clear exampleof an evil handguidedby an evil mind
23 in its questto destroya marriage,in which the lives of multiple innocentchildren andan
24 innocentfamily unit was involved, andsatis8 his own carnaldesires.For his breachof
25 fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffs,McFarlandrt oula be assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto
26 be setby the trier of facts,but which shouldbe in an amountto discouragesuchoutrageous
27
r6
I
behaviorby McFarlandandotherssimilarlysituatedin the future,no lessthan a'total
sum of
2 $6,650,000.00.
3
4
)
.
couNT vII: J0INT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY (A.R.s. t2-2506)
108. Ptaintiffs incorporate.byreferenceall the altegationsaboveas if restated
herein.
109. McFarlandwasat all timespertinentheretothe Presidentand CEO of Defendant
6
RadiantChurch,and a public faceof the RadiantChurch;
7
I l0' RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God haveconfenedapparentlyauthority
.
on
Lee McFarlandto presenthimselfastheir authorizedagentby placing
him in the pos.itionof
leadpastorof bneof the majorchurchescarryingthe Assembliesof
God nameandtradename,
I
9
l0
trademark,or servicemark. They havepublishedhis articlesin their publications
and
il
encouraged
his continuin! serviceasheadpastorandtheir public face.
t2
I I l.
McFarlandis an agentfor DdfendantsRadiantChurchandAssembliesof
God.
13.
ll2'.
RadiantChurchis the one of the largestand fastestgrowing congregationwithin
l 4 ihe Assembtiesof God organizationin the United States.It hasdeeppublic associationwith
1 5 . the Assembliesof God organization.
l6
t7
IE
l9
113. The Assembliesof God organizationendorsesandrecognizes
RadiantChurch
and its pitstorsasmembersof its organization.
ll4.
It is clearthatthe public viewsMcFarlandasa representative
and agentto the
Assembliesof God organizationandthe RadiantChurch;it is alsoclearthat the
Assembliesof
20 God endorsesMcFarlandas its agentwhen it acceptedRadiantChurchas a member-church
2l
22
and McFarlandas its pastor.
115. It is alsoclearthat McFarlandcouldnot havebeenableto causeharm
to
23 Plaintiffsif it werenot for his positionasPastorfor RadiantChurchandtho Assemblies
of
24 God,andthe existenceof this agencyrelationenablinghim to causesuchharm to
25 suchreliancefrom Plaintiff.
26
27
t7
andinduce
.1
116: Thus,Defendants
RadiantChurchitself is jointly andseverallyliable,andthe
2
3
Assembliesof God isjointly andseverallyliable underA.R.S. l2-2s06 for any
damagesand
injuriescausedby McFarland.
4
COUNT VIII: NEGLIGENT SUPERVISTON
5
ll7.
Plaintiffsincorporateby referenceall the allegationsaboveas if restatedherein.
I 18. Defendants
RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God hadprior knowledgeof
6
7
McFarland'sinappropriate
behaviors.
8
9
I19.
Staffmembersof RadiantChurch:hadtold otherAssembliesof God pastors
regardingMcFarland'sinappropriatebehaviorslong prior to his chicanery
and debauchery
l0
with Plaintiffs.
l1
t20. Defendants
RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God failedto investigateand
interferewith McFarland'sperverseandharmfulconduct.
t2
l3
l2I.
As a resultof the failureto overseeandpreventsuchpredatorybehavior,
T 4 DefendantsRadiantChurchandAssembliesof God allowedand facilitatedMcFarland,s
.
t 5 opportunityto contactandinjure Jody and Derek andtheir children.
16
122. Defenrlants
RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God are liableto plaintiffs for
t 7 failing to superviseMcFarlandand ultirnatelycausingtheir.severeemotionaldistressin
an
1 8 amountto be setby the trier of facts,no lessthana total.sumof $6,650,000.00.
l9
'
123. For their failureto supervise,
DefendantsRadiantChurchandAssembliesof God
20 shouldbe assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto be setby the trier of facts,
2l
but which
shouldbe in an amountto discouragesuchoutrageousbehaviorby RadiantChurch
and
22 Assembliesof Godandotherssimilarlysituatedin the future,no lessthan total
a
sumof
2 3 . $6,550,000.00.
24
25
26
'
couNT IX: INTENTIONALFA,TLURE
To supERvIsE
124' Plaintiffsincorporateby referenceall the allegationsaboveas if
restatedherein.
125' DefendantsRadiantChurchand Assembliesof God havethe duty
to supervise
27 PastorLee (McFarland).
IE
I
'
126' DefendantsRadiantchurch and
Assembliesof God knew of McFartand,s
2 perverseandharmful behavior'They knew
of McFarland'sbizarreactions,includingriding
to
3 churchon his Harley,preachingin fadedbluejeans,
pubricrygiving intimatehugsto attracfive
4 femalecongregants,and preachingin an
overtly charismaticfashionin order to enticegreater
5 attendancein orderto increasecontributions.
6
127
' staff members
of RadiantchurchhadtoldotherAssemblies
of Godpastors
7 regardingMcFarrand's
inappropriate
behaviorslongprior to theincident.
8
128' Defendants
RadiantchurchandAssemblies
of Godknewor reasonably
should
9 haveknownthatthetypeof harmsufferedby
Plaintiffswascertainor substantially
certainto
l 0 resultfromMcFarland'spervenieandharmfur
behavior.
ll
129' DefendantsRadiantchurch
t 2 and ignoredprior noticesbf suchrisk.
l3
I4
l5
l6
t7
l8
t9
20
2l
22
andAssembliesof God disregardedthis known
risk
130' DefendantsRadiantchurch andAssemblies
of God's consciousandpurposeful
inactioncauseddamagesandharmsuffered
by Plaintiffsas it allbwedand facilitated
McFarland'sschemeand opportunityto contact
and injure Jody and Derek and their children.
13l' DefendantsRadiantchurch andAssemblies
of God are liableto plaintiffs for
failing to superviseMcFarlandand ultimately
causingtheir severeemotionaldistressin an
amountto be setby the trier of facts,no less
thana total sumof $6,650,000.00.
132' For their failureto supervise,Defendants
Raoiantchurch andAssembliesof God
shouldbe issessedexemplarydamagesin
an amountto be setby the trier of facts,but
which
shouldbe in an amountto discouragesuch
outrageous
behaviorby Radiantchurch and
Assembliesof God and otherssimilarly situated
in the future,no lessthana total sum of
23 $6,65o,ooo.oo.
24
25
26
27
couNT x: EsroppEL/osrENsIBLE
AcENcy/vIcARIous
LIABILITY/APPARENTAUTHORITY
133' Plaintiffsincorporate
by reference
all theallegations
aboveasif restated
hereih.
134. RadiantChurch;
I
I
a)
2
SponsoredpastorLee McFarland
as its leadpastor;
b)
PaidPastorMcFarland;
3
c)
AdvertisedpastorMcFarrand's
sundayand other servicetimes
and
subjects;
d)
PublishedpastorMcFarrand's
articres,seffnonsandcomments
on
its website;
4
)
6
7
e)
E
D
9
l0
il
personality;
t2
g
chbse the time for pastorMcFarrand,s
sunday and weekday
appearances;
h)
Constructedfacilities to accommodatepastor
McFarland,s
followers;
D
Providedstaf{ ushersand collateral
servicesto supportpastor
McFarland.
l3
14
l5
l6
HeldPastorMcFarrand
out to thepubricasits officiarspokesman;
capitalized
onpastorMcFarrand's
personar
procrivities
suchas
ridinga HarleyDavidsonmotorcycre
andpresenting
himserfin brue
jeansin orderto attract
congregants
whorelated.tosucha
I7
l8
l9
2A
135. Assembties
of God:
a)
2l
22
b)
23
c)
24
25
d)
26
'e)
27
AuthorizedRadiantchurch to
usethe nameand trademark.
tradenameor servicemark of
Assembliesof God:
Exercisedcontrorover the generar
natureof meetingsand services;
Held controloverwhethe;Radiant
church courdutilize or continue
to utilize a particularpastor;
Exerciseddisciplinarypower
over pastorsoconduct;
Publishedmaterialsfor guidance
of congregations
usingits name
and trademark,tradenameor
servicemark;
20
t
D
Encouraged
RadiantChurchto continueusingpastorMcFarland
2
despiteknowledgeof his predatorypracticeregarding
women
3
congregants
becauseof his charismaticability to bring in followers
4
andmoney;
5
6
136' Radiantchurch andAssembliesof God areliable plaintiffs
to
underthe doctrine
of apparentauthority,vicariousliibility and ostensible
agency,eachof which is a counterpart
7 of the other' Radiantchurch andAssemblesof God are
estoppedto
deny their position as
I
"principal" liable for the actionsof their "agent" Pastor
McFarlandfor the samereasonsas
9 thosesupportingtheir liability asostensible/apparent
principalsandpastorMcFarlandas
l 0 ostensible/apparent
agent.
ll
t2
l3
137' RadiantChurchandAssembliesof God are liable
for all actionsanddamages
causedby PastorMirarlano asheretoforeallegedfor
damagesnot lessthan $6,650,000.
138' McFarland'sactionsarea clearexampleof anevil
handguidedby an evil mind
T 4 in its questto destroya marriage,in which the lives of multiple
innocentchildrenand an
1 5 innocentfamily unit was involved,andsatisryhis own camal
desires.For his breachof
1 6 fiduciaryduty to Plaintiffs,McFarland,
\adiant church andAssembliesof God shouldbe
t 7 assessed
exemplarydamagesin an amountto be set by the trier
I E an amountto discouragesuchoutrageousbehaviorby
of facts,but which shouldbe in
McFarlandand otherssimilarly situated
1 9 in the futuie,no lessthana total sumof $6,650,000.00.
20
WHEREFORE,Plainiiffs respectfullydemandjudgment
againstDefendantsas follows:
2l
l'
For breachof fiduciary duty in an amountto be found
by the trier of facts,but no
22 lessthanthe sumof $6,650,000.00.
23
2'
For IntentionalInfliction of EmotionalDistressin an
24 trier of facts,no lessthana the sumof $6,650,000.00.
25
3'
For NegligentInfliction of EmotionalDistressin an
26 trier of.facts,no lessthan'thesumof $6,650,000.00.
27
zl
amountto be found bv the
amountto be foundby the
)
.!.
I
2
4'
4
5
6
7
of facts,no lessthanthe
sumof $6,650,000.00
5'
.3
For Actual Fraudin an amountto be foundby the trier
For constructiveFraudin an amountto be foundby the
trier of facts,no less
thesumof $6,650,000.00.
6'.
For Loss of Consortiumin an amountto be foundby
the trier of facts,no less
thanthe sum of g6,650,000:00
7'
For Jointand SeveralLiability of any damagesandinjuries
cairsedby
8 McFarland
9
l0
n
r2
t3
l4
l5
8'
For NegligentSupervisionin an amountfo be found
by the trier of facts,no less
thanthg sumof 96,650,000.00.
9'
For IntentionalFailureto supervisein an amountto
be foundby the trier of facts,
no lessthanthe sumof $6,650,000.00
l0'
For punitivedamagesin an amountto be setby the trier of
fact in an amount
calculatedto detersuchoutrageousbehaviorin the future,
no lessthan the sum of
$6,650,000.00.
l6
I l'
t8
12.
For costsand feesincurredherein.
t9
13'
For suchotherand furtherrelief asis availableunderthe
For vicariousliability in an amountto be found by the trier
of fact, but not less
T 7 than$6,650,000.00.
facts.
20
2l
Datedthis dayof September
,2012,
22
23
GILLESPIESHIELDS.&DURRANT.
24
Bv
D"an
Attorneysfor Plaintiffs
25
26
27