traveb - when did Koehler get transfered? Is this recent, or was this a couple of years back?
JV
Juan Viejo2
JoinedPosts by Juan Viejo2
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22
New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal
by Juan Viejo2 ini'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.
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22
New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal
by Juan Viejo2 ini'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.
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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
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A note to Mr. Smith re: The Menlo Park KH Case.
by Devil_Fish inhello 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.
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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
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22
New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal
by Juan Viejo2 ini'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.
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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
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22
New court docs for Menlo Park KH scandal
by Juan Viejo2 ini'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.
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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
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*sigh*
by C.O.B.E.Beef inthis 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.
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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
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Why So Many Young People Are Leaving The Watchtower
by Jeremy C ini 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.
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Juan Viejo2
Jeremy C - a most excellent post and good followups. Check your PMs...
JV
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on the subject of elders reading this message board
by cptkirk ini'm still laughing to myself thinking about elders/bethelites reading this messageboard.
yet another contradiction to throw in the basket.
didn't they always say how dangerous it is to read anything that contradicts the teachings of the wts?
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Juan Viejo2
Geez, Steve. I'm not sure what I did or said that indicated that I was looking to "out" anyone. The original question was whether elders and upper echelon members of the Watchtower Society were really looking at this and other ex-JW websites. My original answer was a soft-counter to CaptKirk's confusion as to whether that could really be determined by any particular evidence. I offered my analytics to show that there is some plausible evidence that some at Brooklyn, Patterson, Walkill, and foreign branch offices were checking us out based on concentrated visits to my site (a rather non-descript performer compared to some others in the ex-JW category) by logins from locations near Watchtower Society facilities.
That's all I was trying to offer. Where do you get the idea that I am trying to out anyone? Did I not state clearly that I could not determine exact addresses or names of visitors? I do not typically announce my site stats. I do not run sidebar widgets that state "You are visitor 401 today!". That is not what my sites are about. I don't care if one person shows, or 100,001 visitors hit the site. If my sites help anyone, in or out of the organization, that's all I care about.
You write:
"How do you help them by exposing them to others at those sites who are not doing it for those reasons? Your confident crowing tells me you don't have much regard for people's confidentiality. I would have thought that the responsibility of running a forum entails repsect for people's anonymity and confidentiality - unless they have clearly breached the forum's rules. I know that I would hate to be an active JW acessing your forum - because I'd worry that you'd expose me to others who could dientify me and 'turn me in'."
Why would you say such a thing? I have no interest in outing anyone. Ask any of the many members of this forum who have contributed articles to my site whether I have any interest in "outing them." I take every precaution to preserve their privacy, and many here can attest to that. Yes, I have named some of my article contributors, but only with their total concurrence and expressed permission. Most of them have even made their names public here at JWN - and on other similar sites. But anyone trying to preserve their anonymity can come and submit an article or comment to my sites with complete confidence.
If, while reviewing my analytics, do I try to determine who exactly is logging in? NO! Emphatically NO! What I want to know is what articles they read and how long they stayed on my site. I don't care about who they are - I want to know what they read. If they found something interesting to read on my site, I'd like to know about that.
In fact I have actually been contacted by an elder in the greater NYC area. I published an article written by him, and a later one by one of his sons. Both are quite extensive and revealing, but I would like to see if you can figure out who he is, or where he lives. from the articles I've published. It's impossible. He wrote to me, as did his son, because they knew that they could write to me and feel confident that their real identities would be protected. Here are the links to the original articles:
http://ex-jw.com/elder-shares-honest-opinions
http://ex-jw.com/elder-reveals-his-secret
Those articles were later discussed here on JWN:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/182302/1/An-Elder-wrote-anomously
Although I have not heard from "Shadow Elder" in recent months, and have no idea what his current status might be, there is no indication that those two articles may have outed him before he was ready to go.
Likewise with my articles about the scandal and federal court case going on in Menlo Park, CA USA. I have kept the identities of the original tipster and all of my contacts in and around that area absolutely confidential. I was told that I was one of the first ex-JW webmasters they contacted, because they felt comfortable that I would keep their identities totally confidential. And yes, I know the names of some of them, but you won't get those names from me or from my website. Only those names that are publicly available in public domain court documents have been revealed. For that reason, I get four or five anonymous phone calls and email contacts each month from some who are very close to and even from within that Kingdom Hall. They come to me because they want to share their thoughts, let me know how they are feeling, and what is really going on within the Menlo Park Kingdom Hall. But I don't ask their identities. I also purge all email and contact form submissions after taking penciled notes, so if my computer was siezed, there wouldn't be anything on the hard drives that could be recovered - and even though most emails I get are sent from "throw-away" mail boxes.
So Steve2, your identity would be safe with me as long as you wished it. I have no interest in outing anyone, only to provide a website where they can feel free to come and submit their articles and make their comments.
I'm not sure why you seem to want to attack me and suggest that I am misstating facts, or somehow attempting to "out anyone." I'm not sure what you are trying to prove about my motives in all of this. I try to be a very good forum member and website editor in all regards - but for some reason you seem to want to question my motives. What are your motives in doing so?
I am just a simple bandido hiding out in central Oregon, that is all...
JV
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on the subject of elders reading this message board
by cptkirk ini'm still laughing to myself thinking about elders/bethelites reading this messageboard.
yet another contradiction to throw in the basket.
didn't they always say how dangerous it is to read anything that contradicts the teachings of the wts?
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Juan Viejo2
Steve2 - Were you unable to see the screen grabs of my analytics maps?
On one point you are right: I could not take my simple analytics reports into court and swear under oath that I could prove that a large number of visitors to my websites are elders or located at Bethel. IP addresses only show approximate locations in ranges, not by specific addresses and no personal names can be identified with the tools I use. I'm sure the government could tell you what room in what house an email was sent from, but I do not have that capability.
The screen grabs I presented only show trends for a few hours, typically for the last 150 visitors to my site. If I click on one of those buttons in the middle graphic, the computer will give me the IP address, the login/logout times, and the last article viewed. It tells me the city it is in.
When I see Brooklyn, Walkill, Patterson over and over again, that may not be proof, but I'd say it's a strong clue that people at the WT offices are viewing my site. In foreign countries, when I see visitors from cities with WT branch offices, I feel that I can assume that someone in or near that office is hitting my home page.
Because I don't have access to JWN's or Freeminds.org's analytics, I have no idea what geographic points they may be getting a large number of hits from. Theirs may be entirely different, but I doubt it. Maybe Randy and Simon could comment on this.
So chalk it up to "faith." Analytics are an excellent tool and they tell you a lot about how your site is performing, what articles are most popular, how long people stay on your site, and approximately where they are coming from. But they don't give me a name, a face, or a motive.
For that reason, and because I'm sorry I decided to share that information with the forum, I will concede to you and your legalistic view, Steve, and leave it at that and go to bed.
I'll let the rest of the forum viewers look at the small amount of evidence I've provided and decide for themselves if I'm just full of my own BullS###.
JV
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on the subject of elders reading this message board
by cptkirk ini'm still laughing to myself thinking about elders/bethelites reading this messageboard.
yet another contradiction to throw in the basket.
didn't they always say how dangerous it is to read anything that contradicts the teachings of the wts?
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Juan Viejo2
Cptkirk - I have to respectfully disagree with you. I know that New York / Brooklyn / Patterson-Walkill are checking in on my website at Ex-JW.com.
Although my site gets a lot of hits, it probably does not even rank in the top ten of ex JW discussion sites. I'm sure that JWN and Freeminds have as many hits in one hour as I get in a week. How do I know? Google Analytics and other analytic programs that I run for that site. Thanks to those excellent tools I can see where my readers are loggin in from, and New York state is #2 after California. I know it's not any of my family logging in to boost the numbers. What I have left are either not interested in JW issues or they live in Arkansas and Colorado. I live in Oregon.
Google Analytics allows me to not only see the number of hits from New York, but also New York City. Within New York City, I can burrow down into the buroughs and guess what? Brooklyn is #1. So in the entire world, Brooklyn may be the number one city that logs into my website each week. I really doubt that it is the rank & file in that community that are creating this flow of traffic. My guess is that at least a dozen or more Bethelites log in to my site every single day.
I think a majority of my other world-wide vistors are also elders and MS. In some of the more remote countries either branch offices or missionaries might be checking out the site from time to time.
Here are screen captures from two of my analytic programs that can demonstrate what I mean:
On the world map dark green represents heavy daily usage. Light green indicated lighter usage. The pale yellow indicated NO usage.
On the USA map, each pin represents a unique visitor. Not all pins can be shown because of limitations of the program. But you can see from where the pins bunch up, that the bulk of that days visits came from the US northeast, primarily New York.
The orange dots on the NY state map shows where visits came from. For those familiar with that state, you can see that number of hits came from the metro NYC area and also from further upstate where Patterson and Walkill are located.
I'm sure that Randy Watters and Simon (JWN) run their own set of analytics that would have similar results. My site gets a lot of world-wide hits because I provide an automated translator system that makes it easy for non-English speakers to make some sense of the articles.
So take a close look at that last graphic. See that big huge bubble at the lower edge. That's New York and Brooklyn. I leave it to you to decide if that is signifcant or not.
Sorry, I've just set up analytics for InsidetheWatchtower.com, so there are not enough results yet to determine trends for that site.
JV
