Trending...
- Jackson Tumble Finish of Jackson, MI, acquired by VSP Ventures of Ferndale, MI
- LandGate® Releases Q2 2025 U.S. Data Center Development Summary
- InventHelp Inventor Develops Holder for Rebar in Concrete (KSG-135)
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. & COSTA MESA, Calif. - Michimich -- Easton & Easton, LLP, a dedicated advocate for victim rights, has filed a comprehensive complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, on behalf of Plaintiff Isaiah Valdez against The Dwelling Place Anaheim (formerly Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Anaheim), Vineyard USA, and other unnamed defendants. The lawsuit, CASE NO. 30-2025-01492689-CU-PO-NJC, alleges that these entities failed to protect Valdez, a minor congregant, from repeated alleged sexual abuse by Ryan Doezie, a former employee, agent, and youth group leader affiliated with the church, between 2006 and 2011 when Valdez was aged 11 to 16.
The 56-page complaint, filed under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1, details nine causes of action, including negligence, negligent supervision, negligent retention/hiring, negligent failure to warn/train/educate, breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud (Civil Code §1573), sexual harassment (Civil Code §51.9), sexual battery, and sexual assault. It asserts that Doezie's actions were facilitated by the defendants' systemic failures. The alleged abuse occurred on church premises and during church-related activities, with Valdez contending that Doezie exploited his position of trust.
According to the complaint, Valdez suffered severe psychological, mental, and emotional distress, including anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, debilitating trust issues, flashbacks, guilt, shame, hypervigilance, and fear. The lawsuit alleges that Vineyard Anaheim and Vineyard USA, a Texas-based nonprofit overseeing 491 congregations including a SoCal Region, were negligent in supervising Valdez and Doezie despite warning signs of Doezie's alleged predatory behavior, such as grooming through gifts, alcohol, pornography, and secluded outings.
More on Michimich.com
The complaint highlights specific failures, including that the church knew or should have known of Doezie's misconduct, including sexual grooming and prior inappropriate behavior with minors, yet allowed him to remain in a position of authority and instead concealed the risk to protect their reputation. This cover-up, the filing argues, enabled the abuse to continue unabated.
Valdez had powerful words to offer at the time of filing of the Complaint, stating, "Like Jonestown or NXIVM, the church I poured my life into betrayed me, protecting a predator who shattered my soul, then dared to call me "disruptive" for speaking up, while its leaders stood by and did nothing to stop the person who abused me from the ages of eleven to sixteen. After nearly 20 years of shame, pain, and silence, as my trust turned to ash, I am rising in my truth, praying that more survivors will break their silence and strike fear into every coward who still hides abuse."
Easton & Easton, LLP, led by attorneys W. Douglas Easton, Brian W. Easton, and Saul E. Wolf emphasizes the courage of Valdez in coming forward. "Isaiah's bravery in pursuing this case is a testament to his strength," said Saul E. Wolf, lead counsel. "Our firm is committed to holding Vineyard Anaheim, Vineyard USA, and their affiliates accountable for their negligence and cover-up, ensuring justice for Isaiah and potentially other victims. We urge anyone else affected to contact law enforcement."
The complaint also references Vineyard USA's broader history of sexual abuse scandals, including the 2007 case of Jackson Gatlin in Duluth, the 2023 conviction and GRACE investigation confirming systemic failures, and allegations against former leader Carl Medearis, suggesting a pattern of institutional misconduct.
More on Michimich.com
If you or a loved one has been victimized while attending The Dwelling Place Anaheim and Vineyard USA, or have allegedly endured misconduct by Ryan Doezie, please contact the Anaheim police department at (714) 765-1900 or your local law enforcement.
For media inquiries or to speak with a representative, contact Saul E. Wolf at (714) 850-4590 or swolf@eastonlawoffices.com. Easton & Easton, LLP, located at 650 Town Center Drive, Suite 1850, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Click here to review the official complaint filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
The 56-page complaint, filed under California Code of Civil Procedure §340.1, details nine causes of action, including negligence, negligent supervision, negligent retention/hiring, negligent failure to warn/train/educate, breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud (Civil Code §1573), sexual harassment (Civil Code §51.9), sexual battery, and sexual assault. It asserts that Doezie's actions were facilitated by the defendants' systemic failures. The alleged abuse occurred on church premises and during church-related activities, with Valdez contending that Doezie exploited his position of trust.
According to the complaint, Valdez suffered severe psychological, mental, and emotional distress, including anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, debilitating trust issues, flashbacks, guilt, shame, hypervigilance, and fear. The lawsuit alleges that Vineyard Anaheim and Vineyard USA, a Texas-based nonprofit overseeing 491 congregations including a SoCal Region, were negligent in supervising Valdez and Doezie despite warning signs of Doezie's alleged predatory behavior, such as grooming through gifts, alcohol, pornography, and secluded outings.
More on Michimich.com
- The Exclusive Decision: C.j. Sadler, Jr. Commits August 15th
- Smashburger® Lands at Detroit Metro Airport, Expanding Non-Traditional Footprint
- Voices Across the Men's Health Network:
- Bent Danholm To Be Featured On Global Podcast Network In Live Interview
- AdvoCast Expands Leadership in Strategic Comms with New Role Producing "Communication Breakdown" Podcast
The complaint highlights specific failures, including that the church knew or should have known of Doezie's misconduct, including sexual grooming and prior inappropriate behavior with minors, yet allowed him to remain in a position of authority and instead concealed the risk to protect their reputation. This cover-up, the filing argues, enabled the abuse to continue unabated.
Valdez had powerful words to offer at the time of filing of the Complaint, stating, "Like Jonestown or NXIVM, the church I poured my life into betrayed me, protecting a predator who shattered my soul, then dared to call me "disruptive" for speaking up, while its leaders stood by and did nothing to stop the person who abused me from the ages of eleven to sixteen. After nearly 20 years of shame, pain, and silence, as my trust turned to ash, I am rising in my truth, praying that more survivors will break their silence and strike fear into every coward who still hides abuse."
Easton & Easton, LLP, led by attorneys W. Douglas Easton, Brian W. Easton, and Saul E. Wolf emphasizes the courage of Valdez in coming forward. "Isaiah's bravery in pursuing this case is a testament to his strength," said Saul E. Wolf, lead counsel. "Our firm is committed to holding Vineyard Anaheim, Vineyard USA, and their affiliates accountable for their negligence and cover-up, ensuring justice for Isaiah and potentially other victims. We urge anyone else affected to contact law enforcement."
The complaint also references Vineyard USA's broader history of sexual abuse scandals, including the 2007 case of Jackson Gatlin in Duluth, the 2023 conviction and GRACE investigation confirming systemic failures, and allegations against former leader Carl Medearis, suggesting a pattern of institutional misconduct.
More on Michimich.com
- Rocket.Chat assessed "Awardable" for Department of Defense work in the CDAO's Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace
- Success for Global Communications Leader IQSTEL, Inc. Growing From $13 Million Revenue in 2018 to Nearly $300 Million Last Year
- Revize Rolls Out Breakthrough AI Technology to Enhance Local Government Operations
- Artbound: "The Cheech" Awarded Two 2025 LA Area EMMY Awards — Honored in ARTS & MUSIC COMPOSITION
- Rising Conservative Star Jordan Brace Emerges as Influential Political Voice with Elite Washington Connections
If you or a loved one has been victimized while attending The Dwelling Place Anaheim and Vineyard USA, or have allegedly endured misconduct by Ryan Doezie, please contact the Anaheim police department at (714) 765-1900 or your local law enforcement.
For media inquiries or to speak with a representative, contact Saul E. Wolf at (714) 850-4590 or swolf@eastonlawoffices.com. Easton & Easton, LLP, located at 650 Town Center Drive, Suite 1850, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Click here to review the official complaint filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
Source: Easton & Easton, LLP
Filed Under: Legal
0 Comments
Latest on Michimich.com
- 2A Commerce Launches Firearms eCommerce Platform
- CIMdata Publishes Global CAM Market Analysis Report
- Exposing Psychiatric Abuse, CCHR Has Pushed for Global Human Rights Protections
- Wahlburgers Takes Flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport
- Cryptid Tourism Surge in Michigan's Manistee National Forest Drives 40% Spike in Outdoor Gear Sales
- RDG Mining launches 1-day XRP、BTC mining contract, XRP short-term investment users surge 500%
- Donna Cardellino and Paul Lafrance Sign Exclusive Deal for Worldwide Expansion into Commercial and Luxury Real Estate Design Projects
- New Book "Three Permissions" Redefines Self-Leadership for a Burnout-Weary Culture
- Opening a new era of USDC smart cloud mining: CJB Crypto makes digital dollar earnings within reach
- The Evolution of the BDCV Platform: Empowering Mental Health & Wellness
- Philadelphia HVAC Company Bypasses Paid Search Ads, Citing Cost Savings for Customers
- Block AI Labs Empowers Startups with Affordable, AI-Driven Software Development from U.S. and Colombia Ask ChatGPT
- "The U.S. is Running Out of Workers" – New Book Offers Urgent, Research-Backed Solution to the Workforce Crisis
- LandGate® Releases Q2 2025 U.S. Data Center Development Summary
- Jackson Tumble Finish of Jackson, MI, acquired by VSP Ventures of Ferndale, MI
- InventHelp Inventor Develops Holder for Rebar in Concrete (KSG-135)
- Macon's Historic Douglass Theatre Names Toni Simmons Henson as Artistic Director for Inaugural Series Celebrating the Spirit of American Theatre
- Natural Field Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Advancing Functional Ingredients Globally
- Anern Shines at SOLAR AFRICA 2025 with Integrated Solar + Storage Solutions
- 'The Tech Neck Epidemic: How Screen Time Is Negatively Impacting Our Spine,' Says Auburn Chiropractor Dr. Gordon Fimreite