Emails reveal Jehovah's Witnesses response to allegations of child sex abuse

The Jehovah’s Witnesses organization is facing scrutiny in Pennsylvania over its handling of alleged widespread child sexual abuse by members. An email sent to some members is offering a glimpse into how the organization is responding to that scrutiny—and the whistleblowers who helped bring concerns to light.

Martin and Jennifer Haugh first spoke with FOX43 in May 2023 to discuss their frustrations trying to get justice within Jehovah’s Witnesses for their daughter’s molestation in 2005.

Martin Haugh, a former Jehovah’s Witness elder, was so devoted to the faith that even after he walked in on another member sexually molesting his 4-year-old daughter, he didn’t go to the police for another 11 years.

Now that the Haughs have gone public with their story, Jehovah’s Witnesses have labeled them apostates and warned other members not to engage with them.

An email sent out in early July instructed members providing security for a Jehovah’s Witnesses convention in Reading to keep photos of the couple on their phones.

[evalution]

So the Watchtower will post photos of whistleblowers but won’t post warnings or any photos of perpetrators ... that’s disgusting.

[liv]

I sincerely hope the rest of the Nation takes notice of this investigation. This is NOT just a Pennsylvania issue, CSA in the JW Organization is rampant Nation wide!

[vintage]

We want more newscasts like this one. Keep up the good work.

[SavvySavant]

Having been one of Jehovah's witnesses in hindsight it's obvious... They care more about their APPEARANCE than who they actually ARE... Justice is entirely subjective as it depends on whether it helps or hurts the organization in that regard..

[tammyg]

Watchtower is going to be PROTESTED on the morning of October 31st 2023 in Washington D.C at the WHITE HOUSE. Protest details: be free 2023.

[Luke_Halpin]

More people need to see this. This organization tears families apart. I was born and raised as one, but I left last year and immediately lost all friends and family.

[meaganfaircloth]

I'm glad you are covering this story. More people need to know.

[qesther]

What kind of father do you have to be to turn your head when you catch someone molesting your 4 year old child? This is how brainwashed they are. A normal person would have beat the crap out of that man before calling the police. He did neither. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[kalasatwater]

My family is so brainwashed that they don't want to know about this

[rudydawgsmom]

Remember, they don’t SHUN anyone!! It’s been stated in court.
But let’s continue to protect the perpetrators, unbelievable CULT 🤬🤬🤬

[contemplatingwithamaster]

Truth is Going to Hurt the “Truth”; just justice; just pleased. 😊

[kroxxy]

The fact they responded at all. How they responded is not surprising.

[nigelikin]

It would just take one word from the governing body to sort this problem out and have the paedophiles removed and prosecuted but they behave as though the whistle blowers are the criminals. They bury their heads in the sand because they know full well what's going on. But the fathers misplaced loyalty to this organization has caused a lot of damage.

[jasmineduran]

I'm glad I left. This did it for me. A loving God wouldn't approve of what this organization is doing. I hope that family and many others get justice. 💕

[bettyadams]

Can't get through to them it's called mind control

[badbetty]

The father needs to be charged for not reporting the SA on his kid! What kind of father doesn't report that???

[BoogimanBoogiman]

This is not just an isolated incident. This is in every state.

[redryder]

I don’t understand how this is not national news

[toddhayes]

Watchtower is DANGEROUS RIP Raymond Franz please read *Crisis of Conscience*

[Okamika]

Maybe now people will realize that this is a cult not a religion.