Sidney Daily News - June 24th 2000
2nd woman files suit against The Way

Claiming an "exploitative sexual relationship," a former employee of The Way International has filed a lawsuit against the religious organization in Shelby County Common Pleas Court.

She is the second woman to sue The Way in recent months with allegations of a sexual nature.

Ms. Parker, who listed the address of her California attorney, filed the complaint Friday. She is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.

In addition to The Way, 5555 Wierwille Road, New Knoxville, defendants named in the lawsuit are Loy C. Martindale, Rosalie F. Rivenbark, John R. Reynolds, Donald E. Wierwille and Howard R. Allen. All have listed addresses at The Way headquarters except Rivenbark, whose listed address is 9115 New Bremen-New Knoxville Road, New Knoxville.

The lawsuit contains claims of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unjust enrichment, conspiracy and engaging in corrupt activities. Damages in excess of $25,000 are sought from Judge John D. Schmitt as well as punitive damages and other relief from the court.

A spokesman for The Way was not available for comment Friday night.

Mrs. Allen and Mr. Allen filed a complaint in Shelby County against The Way in April, seeking damages for breach of contract and other allegations. They also were former employees of The Way, and Mrs. Allen alleged she was coerced into a sexual affair with Martindale.

According to the complaint, Parker was recruited into The Way in 1978. It claims that followers are "conditioned" or encouraged to become "economically and psychologically dependent" on The Way and its leaders.

The lawsuit claims officials of The Way promised Parker she would receive "specific financial and material benefits" if she followed the principals The Way teaches and underwent training. Parker spent nearly 20 years with The Way, the complaint indicates. The Way breached this contract, it claims, by requiring Parker to submit to "sexual assault" as a condition of employment and other "impossible working conditions" that resulted in damage to her.

It alleges Martindale coerced Parker into posing for "obscene photographs" and taking similar photos of Martindale, and her marriage failed. Martindale also shared information about other female members of The Way with Parker, it alleges, and he talked about Parker with other women.

Under an allegation of fraud, leaders of The Way made promises to Parker with no intention of keeping them. Instead, officials wanted to keep Parker "available to Martindale for the exploitative sexual relationship with The Way leadership knew Martindale enjoyed with Parker," the complaint alleges. Also, officials convinced Parker that "she owed a duty to serve the physical needs of Martindale, notwithstanding her marriage vows and the teachings of The Way."

The lawsuit also alleges that leaders of The Way conspired to defraud Parker of money and other things of value. The Way has violated state racketeering laws with alleged acts of theft, fraud, coercion, assault and rape.

Parker is represented by Lawrence Levy of Sherman Oaks, Calif., and James E. Burns of Cleveland. They also represent the Allens. She did not disclose her address because of fears of harm or threats from people associated with The Way, the complaint indicates.

In May Martindale resigned as president of The Way and was replaced by Rivenbark.