Posts by Juan Viejo2

i've been fighting computer problems for over a week, but i finally got a new article up at ex-jw.com about the status of the court case in san francisco.. the plaintiffs will be going to court this week and possibly again in ten days.

the big issue is the bank account statements and signature files.

plaintiffs claim that defendants opened up unauthorized bank accounts and allegedly forged the then current coboe / ceo's signature.

Juan Viejo2

traveb - when did Koehler get transfered? Is this recent, or was this a couple of years back?

JV

22

New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal

by Juan Viejo2 in

i've been fighting computer problems for over a week, but i finally got a new article up at ex-jw.com about the status of the court case in san francisco.. the plaintiffs will be going to court this week and possibly again in ten days.

the big issue is the bank account statements and signature files.

plaintiffs claim that defendants opened up unauthorized bank accounts and allegedly forged the then current coboe / ceo's signature.

Juan Viejo2

Gayle - it is possible, in fact probable, that some HQ lawyers went along with Don Adams. There seemed to be a shift in strategy after his visit, but I have no direct confirmation that they were involved. There are some things going on in the background that could eventually involve the WTB&TS of Penna. Since they own all of the deeds, properties, insurance, and loan funds, they are the sitting target if fraud can be proved. At this point, the plaintiffs are only interested in their own vindication, not in suing the WTS or getting monetary settlements. Their reputations were damaged and one of them was accused of embezzlement. So they feel they have no choice but to take it as far as they can. They want their good names back and if possible, to be restored to their elder positions and good standing.

Doubting Bro - No, they have not been DF'd yet, but are surely to be as soon as the case settles one way or the other. They still do some field service and go to occasional meetings to retain their active status. But it sounds like a case for insubordination and "brazen conduct" to me. They know they have little or no chance of staying in as JWs.

DontPlaceLiterature - Yes, there is a local reporter working on the case. We share tips from time to time. The plaintiffs have so far refused to meet with her personally. She is monitoring the court documents and court hearings and has a few inside contacts herself. I'm sure that the Bay Area newspapers will pick up the story as soon as she is ready to publish and gets her editor's approval. There are many meetings and court proceedings ahead, so she is biding her time. Everyone I've spoken to is pretty sure that when this case actually goes to trial, the gates will come off the barn.

Steve2 - you are right. This case does not involve a celebrity or a major politician. Pat Robertson, Paul and Jan Crouch, Jimmy Swaggart, Haggard, etc. have all had their share of problems and scandals, and those cases seem to just disappear and are eventually forgotten. The NYTimes was far more interested in the WTS selling off their Brooklyn properties, but have rarely mentioned any WT scandals. They completely ignored the passing of Ray Franz - in spite of his notoriety and overall effect on the course of the WT Governing Body.

Dozy - you are also right. Spill some blood, kill somebody, or rape a baby - and they'll spend months writing about it. But falsifying records, underhanded dealings, and financial ripoffs (unless you are Bernie Madoff and steal Billions!), no newspaper will show much interest. But I think this story will eventually get some larger press exposure.

Sabastious - I totally agree with you. Theft, extortion, falsification of bank records, and illegal tax evasion are all crimes and should not be able to hide behind a religious facade nor committed by someone wearing a Roman collar or flowing robes. Criminal activity is just that - criminal. So far there is evidence in this case of alleged forgery, falsification and back-dating of official state corporation records, and theft under false pretenses. Just saying that they are exempt from prosecution because they are a religious organization doesn't make it right. I hope the judge in this case takes her time and let's her excellent sense of justice help her come to her final decision. From where I sit, there seems to be a correct verdict sitting there staring her in the face as long as she does not confuse "freedom of religion" with "excused criminal activities."

SIAM - the reporter has not dropped the story, but is simply waiting until the case either goes to court, or the story plays itself out one way or the other.

JV

2

A note to Mr. Smith re: The Menlo Park KH Case.

by Devil_Fish in

hello mr. smith,.

the plantiffs have been asked who wrote "the book" that is filed into evidence, is now public record and is avalible for all to see on www.ex-jw.com at this address: http://ex-jw.com/takeover-at-menlo-park#more-3606 .. the response to this question is: "the book" was written by divine inspiration.

yes, thats right, jehovah wrote it, through his son jesus.

Juan Viejo2

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDD ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL About it! Latest article just posted with new court documents.

http://ex-jw.com/menlo-park-what-are-they-trying-to-hide

JV

22

New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal

by Juan Viejo2 in

i've been fighting computer problems for over a week, but i finally got a new article up at ex-jw.com about the status of the court case in san francisco.. the plaintiffs will be going to court this week and possibly again in ten days.

the big issue is the bank account statements and signature files.

plaintiffs claim that defendants opened up unauthorized bank accounts and allegedly forged the then current coboe / ceo's signature.

Juan Viejo2

QuestioningEverything -

I would suggest that you float over to Ex-JW.com and type "Menlo Park" in the search bar. There are several articles going back to the beginning last year (around September) that lay out the entire story and provide PDF copies of all the court documents.

There are several threads on JWN that cover the subject as well. Search for "menlo park kingdom hall." There are also great posts by Mad Sweeny and Marvin Shilmer that cover the issues involved.

If this is the first time you've noticed this subject, you are coming in a little late in the game. Just be aware that it should become a high profile case very soon.

JV

22

New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal

by Juan Viejo2 in

i've been fighting computer problems for over a week, but i finally got a new article up at ex-jw.com about the status of the court case in san francisco.. the plaintiffs will be going to court this week and possibly again in ten days.

the big issue is the bank account statements and signature files.

plaintiffs claim that defendants opened up unauthorized bank accounts and allegedly forged the then current coboe / ceo's signature.

Juan Viejo2

I've been fighting computer problems for over a week, but I finally got a new article up at Ex-JW.com about the status of the court case in San Francisco.

The plaintiffs will be going to court this week and possibly again in ten days. The big issue is the bank account statements and signature files. Plaintiffs claim that defendants opened up unauthorized bank accounts and allegedly forged the then current COBOE / CEO's signature. The plaintiffs also allege that certain funds in those accounts were diverted or laundered illegally.

Defendants have also charged the original COBOE / CEO with embezzlement. So the plaintiffs are asking for all bank records to be subpoenaed and given to the court for review and argument. Now the defense attorney is trying to get all bank records marked confidential and withheld from public scrutiny. Looks like a good fight a'comin'.

Also, one of the defendants, the circuit overseer, Paul Koehler, is facing scrutiny over his claims of being a former Navy SEAL. Plaintiffs allege that he was never assigned to that elite group and may be facing charges from the Navy under their regulations and possible federal charges under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005.

It's really heating up in the Bay Area. Read and enjoy. Court docs in PDF are attached.

http://ex-jw.com/menlo-park-what-are-they-trying-to-hide

JV

50

sigh

by C.O.B.E.Beef in

jw
friends

this is my first time participating in a site like this , so please.

forgive me if my approach is clumsy.. my story is not extraordinary and hardly interesting, so thanks.

in advance to this forum for extending the bandwidth for my own.

Juan Viejo2

COBE - excellent moniker...

What everyone else has said - and especially punkofnice. Do your best to keep your family together to try to reduce the trauma to your wife and kids. You might have to take it in steps, especially if you are, in fact, a COBE. That puts you at the top of the local KH food chain, so unless you find a way to step down gently, the CO and DO will make sure your exit is a painful one.

I am in contact with two other elders who are going through much of the same thing. Both have told me that they are using the Family Study Night to sneak in little hints, and to ask the wives and children to try to explain certain "unexplainable" beliefs. One used the chapters in Revelation describing the 144,000 as Jews, virgins, etc. Also the first two chapters of Genesis - that don't exactly agree.

Also read Bart Ehrman's book, "Jesus Interrupted." Use his technique of horizontal reading of the four gospels and let your wife and kids find the contradictions in those chapters - and then try to look up the Watchtower's explanations for those discrepancies.

Like I said, you are not alone. These articles have been pointed to before, but they are well worth the time to read. They're by another elder (not sure if he is a COBE) in the New York area.

http://ex-jw.com/elder-shares-honest-opinions and http://ex-jw.com/elder-reveals-his-secret . Both have been discussed at some length on this site.

One more thing: There are some forum members who will find reason to challenge you. Do not become disheartened by this fact of life. There are far more of us (those who will support and encourage you) than them (the doubters, the challengers, JWs who want to accuse you of gross crimes and misdemeanors "against Jehovah").

Good luck to you and please keep us informed of your progress.

JV

140

Why So Many Young People Are Leaving The Watchtower

by Jeremy C in

i have been giving a lot of thought to the young people who are leaving the watchtower organization in recent years.

last night, i was reading the thread posted by jwfacts a while back in which he provided some statistics and graphs showing the rapidly declining growth in the watchtower.

one factor that was discussed at length was the high number of young people who do not stay in the organization.

Juan Viejo2

Jeremy C - a most excellent post and good followups. Check your PMs...

JV