Overview
This case details a prolonged period of sexual abuse committed by a brother against his younger sister, the subsequent family and organizational responses, police investigation, and legal consequences nearly two decades later. The narrative highlights systemic failures, trauma, and the importance of education on abuse prevention.
Abuse and Victimization
- The abuse began in 2002 when the victim was 11, orchestrated and enforced through threats and physical restraint.
- The acts continued repeatedly for four years, causing significant physical and psychological harm.
- The victim remained silent due to threats that disclosure would destroy the family.
- The abuse only ceased after the perpetrator married and there was no contact.
Disclosure and Institutional Response
- The victim first disclosed the abuse to her youth pastor after he shared his own trauma.
- The youth pastor supported the victim and confirmed her account to police.
- Family members, including parents and Andrew's wife Courtney, initially did not believe the victim and became defensive.
- An internal investigation by the Salvation Army occurred, but was dropped after the victim was forced to recant via email under parental pressure.
Legal Investigation and Arrest
- The victim renewed her allegations years later, prompting a police investigation.
- A no-contact order was established between the siblings.
- Andrew was arrested at home after police received the victim's report.
- Andrew denied the allegations, suggesting minor inappropriate contact but no abuse, and labeled the victim mentally unstable.
Family and Organizational Fallout
- Following the abuse disclosure, family relationships deteriorated, with extended periods of non-communication.
- The perpetrator's stepfather, a Salvation Army pastor, died by suicide following unrelated personal revelations.
- The organization’s response to both the abuse and unrelated infidelity scandal was largely internal.
Legal Outcome
- Andrew was sentenced to 26 months in prison for incest in the second degree and third-degree rape.
- The legal process involved arrest, arraignment, and eventual sentencing based on the renewed investigation and evidence.
Key Lessons and Prevention
- The case underscores the lifelong trauma of child sexual abuse and the importance of early education and intervention.
- Family and institutional denial or mishandling can compound victims’ suffering and allow abusers to avoid accountability.