Another JW Elder Claiming Clergy Privilage in Court Case

by jamiebowers 17 Replies latest watchtower scandals

• 

  rebel8

  Yeah, someone posted that under the story too. Curious, isn't it? 4 am?

  After receiving a subpoena from Jarka's attorney, Cespedes filed the motion asking that the court excuse him from taking the witness stand. In court Friday, prosecutor Burke Strunsky said he was surprised by this development because Cespedes had already been interviewed three times. "This is an important witness," Strunsky told Judge Judith Clark.

  This is really suspicious--maybe he didn't give full disclosure about his activities the first 3x around, and now he's worried.
• 

  WuzLovesDubs

  Sir82...that having been said, my best friend was getting "sheparding calls" from a married elder who was giving her "marital advice" and he ALWAYS came alone to her home. And of course, they ended up getting hooked up. So they do that partner thing when its convenient. When I was not yet a baptized JW and was sleeping with the JW who introduced me to the troof (not my future husband) the elder I was talking to with all my gory details insisted that another elder be in the room when we talked. Some comply some dont to suit themselves.
• 

  Doubting Bro

  Bluesbrother - thanks for the quotes. Interesting how they really used to highlight this lack of "clergy" but how that particular wording has sort of disappeared from their material. Probably because they want the flexibility to use penitent-clergy privilege.

  Sir82 - I wasn't really thinking about the CO/DOs but you're right, they are paid. Local elders, obviously are strictly volunteer. Also, your point about the sheparding calls is dead on. Why on earth would he go alone?

  If he went alone, wouldn't privilege hold? Or would the fact that the elder was speaking to both husband and wife negate privilege? If he followed the rules and went with another elder (which in a situation with obvious volitility you would think he naturally would want to do), then this judge has already ruled that privilege is thrown out.

  Clearly, the WTS legal department is involved here and wants to avoid at all costs the elder having to testify to protect their own assets. If Sir82s senario is close to what happened, I could see the WTS having some liability for pastorial malpractice.
• 

  rebel8

  Oh for Pete's sake. I emailed the court through their website, via the only email address they provide. They are telling me I must call the DA myself, the court is separate. I mentioned I am not from CA and could they forward my email, they said no.

  oooohhh kkkaaayyy

  I am not calling the DA long distance. If anyone is local and wants to call, the number I was given is 951-955-5400. I just wanted to share the quotes from the literature that would bolster the DA's argument that this guy's religion does not consider him clergy. If his church specifically states he is not clergy, then he isn't, plain and simple.

  Jeez, might get justice done for once. I guess the court can't be bothered.
• 

  cameo-d

  BB quoted WT material: "There is no clergy-laity distinction"

  Doubting Bro: "Interesting how they really used to highlight this lack of "clergy" but how that "

  DoubtingBro....They are not denying having clergy. They are denying distinction between "preacher" and "congregation"; ALL are clergy.

  (At least this is the way I read the WT quote.)
• 

  Bubblie

  Where did you find this article Jamie? You love to dig up the dirt don't you? It's good to find out these things are going on, to keep those of us reminded why we left and will never go back, huh?

  Kit
• 

  Dagney

  Somebody just posted the update, he will testify.

  I talked to a friend of the family this week. This guy Kelle had lots of secrets. Ick. What a scum.
• 

  jamiebowers

  Where did you find this article Jamie? You love to dig up the dirt don't you? It's good to find out these things are going on, to keep those of us reminded why we left and will never go back, huh?

  Kit

  I subscribe to Google News, and these articles are emailed to me. There's not much digging required, because these bastards are always flopping around in the dirt somewhere.