Perpetrator Alert: John Earl Jones, Reported Child Sexual Perpetrator, former Elder of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spokane, Washington.
PCVA is alerting the Spokane County area about sexual abuse reportedly perpetrated by John Earl Jones from 1970 through 2006.
This article provides information about John Earl Jones and his history of sexual abuse, the impact of sexual abuse on its victims, and PCVA’s history of providing trauma-informed counsel to survivors of sexual abuse.
What are the allegations against John Earl Jones?
John Earl Jones allegedly sexually abused several children while he was an elder clergy member at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jones was reported multiple times to other church leaders, but the other leaders at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses church never went to the authorities. Church clergy members ignored and didn’t believe the young children’s allegations allowing abuse to happen for several years after it was first reported.
The first survivor to come forward was an 11 year old child at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Church. He went to a fellow leader at the church who he trusted and was told that nothing could be done as he didn’t have a second witness to verify his story. A second child stepped forward claiming he experienced sexual abuse, and he was also ignored. Neither of these boys’ claims were taken seriously, reported to the police, or kept away from their perpetrator, John Earl Jones. Several more children came forward in the following years from the initial report in the 1970s.
It is unknown if there are more victims of John Earl Jones. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of John Earl Jones, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (253) 777-0799 or (206) 462-4334.
How can sexual abuse impact its victims?
Even if there is no outward injury to the body, sexual abuse of a child can have serious psychological effects.
The effects of sexual violence can include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
- Disordered sleep
- Sexual dysfunction
These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships, and enjoy their lives. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington State for child sex abuse?
Survivors in Washington can usually file lawsuits decades after the abuse ended. However, there are many ways the statute of limitations can be triggered, so it is important you speak with an attorney. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations for your potential case, please contact us directly.
Can I come forward or sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?
Most likely. The law usually allows attorneys to file lawsuits on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse using a pseudonym, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” or a person’s initials. It also may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.
How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?
Our attorneys have been involved in some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country, and we are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of each person’s case.
Every case is different and results – which depend on the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed. However, we will fight to hold negligent institutions and individuals accountable. Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors. While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.
How much do you charge?
Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we advance the costs of litigation. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington State for child sex abuse?
If you are under the age of 18 and experience sexual abuse after June 6, 2024 you can file a civil case against your abuser at any time.
If you were abused and under the age of 18 prior to June 6, 2024 you have three years after you recognized the abuse has impacted your life in a negative way to file a case against the perpetrator.
Our case results
PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages from youth-serving organizations that employed individuals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault children, including religious organizations, school districts, foster care agencies, boarding homes, and hospitals. See below for links to some of our case results involving such entities:
$7.5M Jury Verdict for Child Sex Abuse Case Against YMCA
$4.2M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against University Place School District
$3.9M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Against Tahoma School District
$3M Settlement in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Seattle Public Schools
$2.05M Settlement in Sexual Abuse Case Against Spokane School District
See a more detailed list on our Case Results page.