PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEATTLE, WA — October 13, 2025 — Anapol Weiss, together with Dolman Law Group and Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC, has filed a lawsuit in King County, Washington on behalf of four survivors of child sexual abuse against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The lawsuit alleges that the Church knowingly reinstated a convicted child rapist into positions of trust, enabling years of abuse against vulnerable children.
The lawsuit alleges that the LDS Church knowingly placed a convicted child rapist, David Herget, in positions of authority and trust, giving him direct and repeated access to children, despite his known history of sexual violence, molestation, and abuse.
According to the complaint, Herget was convicted in 1993 of raping a 13-year-old family member. Within a few years, the complaint says, the LDS Church allowed him to return to church services, interact with children, and eventually regain his title as a High Priest. Despite knowing his history, church leaders permitted him to distribute candy to children during Sunday services, dress as Santa Claus at church events, and participate in activities that brought him into close contact with young boys.
Between 2001 and 2005, the lawsuit alleges, Herget groomed and sexually assaulted four boys, including one who was just five years old. The complaint further states that the church empowered Herget to gain the trust of these children and to groom and eventually assault them, including on church property. Herget’s ongoing violence against children was finally revealed in 2005, when Herget was arrested on suspicion of multiple sex crimes against children. He died by suicide while in jail.
“This isn’t a case of ignorance, it’s a case of betrayal,” said Alexandra Walsh, partner at Anapol Weiss. “The church knew exactly who this man was and what he had done. Nonetheless, they gave a convicted predator a position of trust and authority, which allowed him to exercise power over young boys. These kids deserved safety. Instead, they were left vulnerable to unimaginable harm.”
The plaintiffs, identified as John Roe 1 through John Roe 4, are now adults living in multiple states. Each endured years of grooming and abuse tied directly to Herget’s role within the LDS Church. The lawsuit asserts claims including negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
About Anapol Weiss
Anapol Weiss, a majority-women-owned law firm based in Philadelphia, has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for survivors of abuse, consumer fraud, and corporate negligence. The firm is nationally recognized for its work representing survivors of sexual violence and child exploitation. For more information, visit www.anapolweiss.com.
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