Willick voluntarily gave up his role as an elder in the church several years ago, in part because of the allegations, and left the church entirely in 2004, the defence lawyer has said. He also has said Willick was not acting in his capacity as a church elder when the offences occurred.
I'm I being a cynic? Somehow I smell "deal" here with the local congregation and the WTS that if he makes good in his distancing the local congregation and the WTS from his wrongdoing this would result in a reduced time period of disfellowshipping.