A Cherokee County church, its pastor, a former employee, and a former employee facing a sexual battery charge against a child have all been named in a lawsuit filed by the boy's parents.
Leaders of First Baptist Church of Canton could have prevented alleged sexual abuse of a child if they had not allowed the suspect around children, according to the lawsuit filed Aug. 1 in Cherokee County Superior Court. But the church contends it has cooperated with the criminal investigation.
Matthew Brent Sheffield, who turns 30 this month, was previously employed by the church and worked as a substitute teacher for Cherokee County schools, the lawsuit states. But Sheffield was released from his work with the school system after being accused of sending explicit text messages and making suggestive remarks to male students, according to the lawsuit.
Sheffield was fired from the church for allegedly continuing to send the illicit text messages, but later returned as a volunteer. When reached by phone Wednesday evening, Sheffield referred questions regarding the suit to his attorney, David Cannon of Canton. Cannon said Thursday morning he had no comment on the case.
In June 2010, Sheffield allegedly committed sexual battery on the boy during a church-sponsored beach trip. He was arrested and jailed on the charge, but his case has not come to trial.
"Defendant First Baptist, Defendant Dr. George Anderson, and Defendant Shawn Finch were each negligent in managing the risk posed to children by Sheffield," the suit contends. "Neither took any action to limit Sheffield's access to sexually exploit children, to report to law enforcement Sheffield's other known sexual abuse, or to ascertain if Sheffield had abused other children participating in programs provided by First Baptist," according to the lawsuit.
Anderson is the church's pastor and Finch, a former church employee, now lives with his family in Texas.
Channing Ruskell, the attorney for the boy's parents, did not return a call Wednesday afternoon regarding the lawsuit. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution is not naming the parents to protect the privacy of the child, who is the alleged victim of sexual battery.
When contacted by the AJC regarding the lawsuit, the church released a statement, via email.
"The church takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety of all of its members and attendees, especially children and youth," the statement said."The church has referred the matter to legal counsel and will vigorously defend itself and its employees against these claims."
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including expenses for medical and psychological treatment due to the child's distress.
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