I heard some disturbing news and I'm not sure what to do about it.
There was man who was an elder in the Pasadena, Maryland congregation for many years. I'll call him "Randy Pervamini". There were always whispers going around about him that he was secretly gay. He was rather effeminate yet, he was a hardcore, super-dub, fascist elder at the same time. I was in a neighboring hall so my association with him was minimal but I was around him enough to know that he was a jerk.
A while ago, one of my in-laws told me that they were camping with a friend of theirs, "Bob", that grew up in that congregation. They were all sitting around and telling stories when Bob broke down, started crying and confessed that Bro. Pervamini had sexually abused him while he was a child and that Pervamini's wife knew about it and did NOTHING.
My husband knew Bob and told me that Bob and his brother both had severe drinking problems. I have heard that the whole family seems to have a lot of problems. We wondered if this was because of the sexual abuse. I am furious that this man's life may have been ruined because of what this elder did.
A few months ago, I heard that Bro. Pervamini was put on public reproof and removed as an elder. It was rumored that Pervamini had molested a child. It has been about 20 years since the incident with Bob took place. I wonder if there was another victim?
I've done some research and it doesn't look like the police were ever notified. This man still attends the meetings so I assume that he goes out in field service. This is putting a countless number of innocent children in harm's way!!!
I am furious that this man just seems to have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. He should be disfellowshipped and thrown in a jail cell.
So the question is, what should I do? I didn't personally hear Bob confess, I don't really know Bob and I don't want to drag a 30-something year old man through a sex abuse trial. I have moved away and don't really have any contact with JWs in the area anymore. I have also been branded an apostate so I doubt anyone would listen to me if I did say something. The in-law that relayed the story is a JW and is now shunning me.
I thought about sending out anonymous letters to all of Pervamini's neighbors, urging them to request that they not be visited by JWs. I thought the public pressure might force the local elders to take stronger action. Could I get in any legal trouble for warning Pervamini's neighbors about him? If I report to the police would they be able to do anything? It has been over 20 years.
This has been bothering me for a long time, I want to do something but I'm not sure what to do.