Atlanta Woman Files Lawsuit Against Church for Trafficking

Community protest against human trafficking allegations

News Summary

An Atlanta woman has filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta Dream Center Church and the Assemblies of God, alleging human trafficking and forced labor disguised as a ministry program. The plaintiff, K.D., claims to have faced exploitation, unsafe living conditions, and abuse during her time at the ministry. The lawsuit seeks justice not only for K.D. but also highlights potential widespread issues within similar church programs. The legal proceedings have raised concerns about the misuse of faith and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.

Atlanta Woman Takes Legal Action Against Local Church Over Trafficking Allegations

In a shocking turn of events, a woman has filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta Dream Center Church and its affiliated denomination, the Assemblies of God. This lawsuit, filed on a recent Monday, comes with serious allegations of human trafficking and forced labor under the guise of a ministry program.

K.D.’s Journey into Ministry

The plaintiff, known as K.D., joined the Atlanta School of Ministry back in 2014, aspiring to become a missionary. Looking to serve and make a difference, K.D. quickly found herself caught in a situation that felt far from the peaceful mission she had envisioned. According to the lawsuit, K.D. and her peers were subjected to grueling hours of work, sometimes up to 14 hours a day, often working six days a week, while receiving little to no education or proper care.

Unconventional Living Conditions

Things took a turn for the worse, as K.D. described living conditions that were both unsafe and unsanitary. The students were reportedly given expired and moldy food to eat, raising serious concerns about their health and wellbeing. K.D. and her fellow students found themselves crammed into overcrowded rooms or even sleeping in vans in high-crime areas. This wasn’t the life they had signed up for.

Claims of Exploitation and Abuse

The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture, labeling the church’s practices as a “sophisticated human trafficking and forced labor operation” masked as a religious initiative. K.D. claims she was subjected to sexual assaults on two occasions, with one incident involving a pastor and another involving a guest at a church function. Alarmingly, church leaders allegedly failed to report these incidents, dishing out advice that fell far short of adequately addressing the abuse.

Manipulation and Control Tactics

According to K.D., the church employed various manipulation tactics to keep her and other students compliant. This included using religious manipulation and fostering feelings of shame whenever concerns were raised. K.D. felt trapped, especially after church officials informed her that she owed a staggering $7,000 in tuition fees, despite the lack of compensation for her extensive labor. The threat of jail was reportedly used to intimidate her regarding this alleged debt.

The Road to Escape

As the physical and mental strain took its toll, K.D. finally managed to escape the oppressive environment, seeking necessary medical care after suffering dire health consequences. Her allegations highlight a troubling culture of control, where young individuals were exploited under the false pretense of service and faith.

Legal Repercussions and Community Impact

This lawsuit not only seeks justice for K.D. but also aims to put an end to the abuse and forced labor that many young adults have faced within similar church programs. K.D.’s attorney, Kim Dougherty, has hinted at potential additional lawsuits from other victims, suggesting a broader issue at play within the organization. The event has certainly sent ripples through the community, with many left wondering about the misuse of faith for profit.

Church’s Response

While the Georgia Assemblies of God has expressed deep concern regarding the allegations, they have opted not to provide further comments as the legal process unfolds. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream Center Church continues its activities, situated in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Interestingly, another church in Decatur has been stated as not involved in this troubling case.

Conclusion

This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of scrutinizing organizations that claim to serve a higher purpose. K.D.’s brave step towards seeking justice may inspire countless others who have faced similar situations. As this case progresses, many will be watching closely to see how the legal system addresses these heavy allegations, and whether appropriate actions will be taken to protect vulnerable individuals in future.