Sidney Daily News - 09/13/2000
Judge gives OK to amend Way complaint

Attorneys representing a woman suing The Way International plan to file an amended complaint containing details of fraud allegations following a ruling in Shelby County Common Pleas Court.

Ms. Parker filed a complaint in June against The Way, 5555 Wierwille Road, New Knoxville, seeking damages in excess of $25,000. She claims officials of The Way forced her into a sexual relationship. The complaint also contains claims of breach of contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, conspiracy and engaging in corrupt activities.

Defendants named in the lawsuit include the Rev. Loy C. Martindale, former president of The Way, and the Rev. Rosalie F. Rivenbark, current president. In May, Martindale resigned as president of The Way and was replaced by Rivenbark.

‘Vague allegations'

Ruling last week on motions filed by both sides, Judge John D. Schmitt allowed attorneys for Parker to amend the complaint. Attorneys for The Way claimed the lawsuit contained "vague allegations of fraud" in the initial complaint, while the plaintiff's attorneys admitted this in a motion seeking to file an amended lawsuit. Defense attorneys argued fraud allegations should be stricken from the complaint or it should be dismissed itself.

Defense attorneys also indicated Parker's residential address should be included in the complaint. Her address was listed in defense papers as Addison, Texas, which her attorneys acknowledged and indicated this was done "to prevent unwelcome public intrusion into her otherwise private life." The complaint indicated Parker did not disclose her home address because of fears of harm or threats from people associated with The Way.

Employed nearly 20 years

Parker was employed by The Way for nearly 20 years. The Way breached an employment 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. She claims she had an "exploitative sexual relationship" with Martindale even though she was married.

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, the lawsuit claims.

Officials of The Way are defendants in two lawsuits filed in Common Pleas Court. Mrs. Allen and Mr. Allen filed a complaint 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.