Fort Mill, S.C. – Allegations of Abuse Emerge from Local Church
In a troubling and complex situation unfolding in Fort Mill, South Carolina, serious allegations of sexual abuse have been made against individuals associated with MorningStar Fellowship Church. The community gathered in Rock Hill on September 16, where three lawsuits were publicly announced, shedding light on disturbing incidents reportedly occurring within the church over the years.
The Accusations
The lawsuits name several people, including the church’s founder and senior pastor, Richard Joyner, alongside former youth leader Erickson Lee, who previously served as a police officer, and former church vice president David Yarnes. The accusations detail a pattern of sexual abuse that allegedly involved minors, some as young as 13 years old.
According to the attorneys representing the victims, Randy Hood and Chad McGowan, there were numerous reports of child sexual assault that church leaders failed to report to law enforcement. This silence raises significant questions about the responsibilities of those in leadership positions to protect vulnerable individuals in their care.
Specific Incidents of Abuse
A concerning element of the allegations involves Erickson Lee, who recently pleaded guilty to child sex crimes related to a program he was leading called Young Special Forces. Initially pitched as a leadership development program for young men, troubling behaviors began to emerge in early 2020. It’s alleged that Lee provided minors with alcohol, and hosted inappropriate parties, leading to sexual acts with at least four young participants.
The lawsuits describe various instances of neglect, including claims that several church members were aware of the abuses but chose not to act. Alarmingly, another situation mentions two women from MorningStar University who reportedly faced sexual assaults by an employee back in 2000, yet no actions were taken at that time. Additionally, there is a claim of an assault on a child, despite warnings from the child’s mother to church staff, asking them to keep a certain staff member away from her child during a field trip.
Further allegations suggest church staff engaged in deeply inappropriate behaviors, such as providing minors with alcohol, vapes, and pornography. Disturbing reports also indicate that Lee was involved in drinking and driving with one of the children and wielding a taser against them. The allegations go on to mention that he allegedly handcuffed and threatened some kids, even leaving alarming notes that included phrases like, “I am watching you.”
The Bigger Picture
Another individual named in the lawsuits is Chase Portello, accused of assisting in covering up the abuse. Portello and others supposedly witnessed Lee engaging in inappropriate activities with children but did not take action to stop it. The allegations suggest a deeper culture of silence and complicity within the church framework.
A Call for Action
The lawsuits aim to seek justice and damages for the victims involved. As this story develops, it has raised serious concerns about child safety within religious organizations and the need for accountability among those in positions of power.
MorningStar Fellowship Church, founded in 1995, has not publicly responded to requests for comments regarding these troubling allegations. As the community digests this painful news, many are left asking how such allegations could have remained hidden for so long.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, it’s important to speak out. Victims are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or support organizations such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network for assistance. No one should endure these experiences in silence.
