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GreaseSpot Cafe > WayDale Documents >
Lawsuit Section
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.
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