Brett Bymaster Former Youth Pastor Arrested for Child Sexual Abuse
According to the San Jose Mercury News, A well-known nonprofit director was hit with more charges alleging that he sexually abused a minor when he formerly worked as a youth pastor, following a separate case alleging sexual abuse against another minor was filed in April. The Former youth pastor at The River church in San Jose, Brett Bymaster, had been previously accused of inappropriate behavior with children under his supervision. According to reports, The River church officials were warned of Bymaster’s alleged inappropriate acts with children and tried to cover everything up.
Dana Huang, in particular, was a youth minister at the evangelical church. She was under the supervision of Bymaster. Huang has filed a lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court where she claimed that she was forced to resign her position in the church because when reports of Bymasters misdeeds with children were made, church officials ignored them and failed to respond appropriately. In response, The River church has denied the allegations in Huang’s suit.
Brett Bymaster arraigned on six felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a girl
In April, Bymaster had been arraigned on six felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a girl during the time between 2013 and 2019. The unnamed girl was 8 when the abuse started. Bymaster was given bail set at $50,000. Brett Bymaster’s lawyer refutes the allegations, calling them false and stating that there was a longstanding campaign by certain church members to destroy Bymaster’s reputation and career. Bymaster’s wife, Angela, also disputes that her husband engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with children at the church and instead asserts that her husband is innocent.
Seeking Legal Assistance After Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse can be devastating to a young person and cause life-long disturbances in life, including adverse physical and emotional harm. Child sexual abuse in California is a serious problem, and the state takes these crimes seriously. Victims of child sexual abuse may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses they suffered after their abuse. Speaking with an attorney is the best way for victims to have their case evaluated and to learn more about their legal options.
Beck Law P.C. is a California child sexual abuse law firm where you can meet with an experienced attorney during a free consultation to get more information about your rights and what you can do to be fairly compensated.
Huang’s Lawsuit Allegations
The young child victim who Brett Bymaster allegedly abused is now an adult. The church acknowledged that they were made aware of claims of abuse and conducted an investigation that ultimately fell short.
Huang’s lawsuit detailed what church officials may have known and when they were made aware of the information. In one incident, it is alleged that Bymaster pulled a junior high student aside on a mission trip and made comments about her breasts. The incident severely and emotionally impacted the girl so much that she attempted suicide when she returned from the trip. The student’s parents reported the issue to the church and wanted Brett Bymaster fired, which did not happen.
Further, Huang indicated that she was also the victim of inappropriate sexual comments. Her concerns were minimized when reported, and an internal investigation was never performed.
The lawsuit also included the stories of other girls in the church who shared incidents where they were the subject of sexual grooming at the hands of Brett Bymaster.
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you have questions or would like assistance with filing a California child sexual abuse claim, please call our California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. at (707) 576-7175 to schedule an initial, free consultation. We are here to help you seek the justice you deserve.
