PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA
Seattle Office: (206) 462-4334 | Tacoma Office: (253) 777-0799 | New York Office: (212) 300-2444
PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA

Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph Jones)

A Call for Witnesses: Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph Jones), reported child sexual abuser and rapist, was arrested on May 31, 2024, for allegedly abusing children while he was an employee at Discovery Playtown in Maple Valley, Washington.

This article provides information about the allegations against Joseph Hefner and frequently asked questions about claims of sexual abuse.

What are the allegations against Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph Jones)?

Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph Jones) allegedly sexually abused several children while he was an employee at Discovery Playtown, a childcare center in Maple Valley, Washington. On May 2, 2024, the King County Sheriff’s Office received a report of sex offenses against children involving a 10- and 13 –year-old girl. According to the charging documents, Hefner was a family friend and met them after the youngest daughter attended Discovery Playtown. Court documents state that prior to these allegations, Hefner was a registered sex offender from 2013-2021 after he pled guilty to first-degree child molestation in 2013.

It is suspected that there are more victims of Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph Jones). If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph 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 (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 current statute of limitations for child sex abuse in Washington State?

Survivors in Washington often file lawsuits decades after the abuse ended. However, there are many ways the statute of limitations can impact a case, so it is important you speak with an attorney to learn your rights. 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.

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:

 

See a more detailed list on our Case Results page.

Press Coverage:

Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of Joseph Hefner (aka Joseph 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.