Spokane, WA – A Spokane man, Russell Anders, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, June 21, 2024. Anders, an ordained minister, was apprehended at his residence on West Gardner Avenue near Ash Street around 11 a.m.
Minister Arrested for Child Porn, Rape, and Child Molestation
The arrest was executed by the U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force. Anders faces a federal arrest warrant for child pornography and has pending charges of child molestation and voyeurism in Seattle, as well as rape and voyeurism in Spokane.
WA Minister Accused of Drugging and Raping a Woman
Court documents reveal that Anders, 55, is accused of drugging and raping a woman, who discovered videos of herself and explicit content involving children on his laptop. These findings led to his indictment last year in federal court in Seattle for producing child pornography and possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Legal Rights for Victims of Ministerial Abuse: An Expert’s Perspective
Attorney Laurence Banville recently engaged in a conversation with Mike Pfau, a seasoned lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases in Washington. Their discussion centered around the legal avenues available for victims of sexual abuse by ministers and the mechanisms to hold negligent parties accountable.
Attorney Laurence Banville: Mr. Pfau, what legal rights do victims have when sexually abused by a minister?
Attorney Mike Pfau: Victims have the right to seek justice through both criminal and civil channels. While the criminal case focuses on punishing the perpetrator, a civil lawsuit can help victims recover damages for their suffering and hold responsible any organizations that may have enabled the abuse.
Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these cases?
Pfau: Churches or religious organizations can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action. This could include inadequate background checks, ignoring red flags, or covering up previous incidents. Victims can sue these entities for negligence, which may result in financial compensation and systemic changes to prevent future abuse.
Banville: What advice would you give to potential victims in this case?
Pfau: I urge any victims to come forward and speak with law enforcement. They should also consider consulting with an experienced sexual abuse attorney to understand their legal options. There are often time limits for filing civil claims, so it’s important to act promptly. Remember, the legal system is here to protect victims and hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable.
Reach Out for Support and Guidance
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, it is vital to seek support and explore your legal options. Our team is here to help you navigate this difficult journey. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and provide the guidance you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us—your voice matters, and you deserve justice.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
