The Newsletter Bringing the Legal System to Light. Marc Spera, 58, was sentenced in March to 15 to 30 years in prison on similar charges. That student, now an adult, made a report to Chester Countys Childline service in 2018, saying he had been abused by a staff member at the school, the affidavit said. After the investigation, O'Neill was arrested and charged with four counts of corruption of minors. Officials say that Spera moved to Florida in 2016 to work at Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg and that he also lived on the campus there. Mar 23, 2021 PHILADELPHIA - The Church Farm School (CFS) in Exton faces civil charges from a North Carolina man who says he was sexually abused by a former CFS teacher, according to documents filed earlier this year in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Daniel Rowley, 70, is accused of sexually assaulting a student at Church Farm School. Police said the victim told them that he lived in the cottage where the defendant was a houseparent when he was a freshman at CFS, the 2003-04 school year. On another occasion, the custodian said O'Neill's stocking appeared to be disheveled and torn. In a statement. Spera, also a dorm supervisor, admitted to sexually assaulting a teen at the school in his private room, and bought the boy an Xbox 360 console to keep in touch with him during the summer months away from the school. Neither would seminary authorities tell him the name of whoever informed them of his alleged sexual misconduct. But I am too formal for such outlandishness.". I am attorney Brian Kent. Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "The sexual abuse of students and children is pervasive and needs to stop now. At the time of his arrest, he was teaching at a school in St. Petersburg but was fired shortly after the charges were filed in Chester County. Knife Threats In West Chester Result In Arrest, Arsonist Set Fire To West Chester Apartment: Police, $6.35M Grant Awarded By Chesco Commissioners For Crebilly Farm, The Berwyn Indoor / Outdoor Vintage Flea Market, GVSD Education Foundation presents: The Harlem Wizards. Monthly: $10 a month An investigation began after West Whiteland Police received information in November 2018 about the alleged abuse. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Investigators said that during Rowley's time at Church Farm, a college-preparatory school run by Episcopal clergy, he groomed then allegedly raped the student during the teen's freshman, junior, and senior years at the school in the late 2000s. The documents say that Spera is no longer a CFS educator as of 2010. Quarterly: $30 every 3 months The schools president, the Rev. Marc Spera, 58, pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with a minor for the assaults, which began when the student was enrolled at the Church Farm School in Exton in 2008, prosecutors said. The victim in that case has a pending federal lawsuit against Spera and the administration of Church Farm, asserting that the school failed to hold Spera accountable and allowed him to spend an inappropriate amount of private time with him. Many of the encounters, he told police, took place in Rowleys room at the school, or in the boiler room of one of the campus buildings. The Church Farm School (CFS) is a private secondary Christian school in Exton, Pennsylvania, United States. Church Farm School, 1001 E. Lincoln Highway, in West Whiteland Township, is a boarding and day school that says it is "in the Episcopal tradition.". EXTON, PA A dorm parent at Church Farm School in Exton is charged with sexual abuse after a student reported he was repeatedly sexually assaulted in the boiler room of a cottage at the boarding school and in other situations, hundreds of times. A historic first: Vietnam allows Franklin Graham to hold evangelism event with 300 churches, Teen who had breasts removed says health system lacks 'standards of care', School district rejects student-teachers from Arizona Christian University, Its smut: Kid reads sexually graphic book he got from school library to school board members, Ukraine war exposes weaknesses in Russia and the West, ChatGPT, consciousness and the human mind, Tim Tebow Cancels Appearance at Televangelist Rod Parsley's Revival Event, Televangelist Benny Hinn Released from Hospital After Health Scare; 'God Is Faithful, My Heart Is Strong,' He Says. 1001 Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA 19341. gocfs.net TYPE: Boarding Schools. | (Photo: Facebook/World Harvest Church) Televangelist Rod Parsley, who leads the Columbus, Ohio-based World Harvest Church, has come under fire for a recent message he shared on social media in which he urged people not to hate America's slaveholding founding fathers as a national conversation rages around the removal of confederate monuments. Submit news to our tip line, Worst Marvel Movie Ever? World Harvest contended at trial that the incident never took place and that the welts and bruises on the boy's body, including his penis, were the result of a skin rash. The circumstances of that probe were unclear Tuesday, but a spokesperson for West Whiteland police said it did not result in criminal charges. Prior to that, he was Dean of Chapel and Head of the Religion Department at St. Pauls School in Concord, New Hampshire, and concurrently served as Vicar and Headmaster of St. Johns Church and School on the island of Guam in Micronesia. He's also demanding reimbursement for all of the tuition and fees he paid the college. All rights reserved, Eagles' WR Zach Pascal Robbed and Assaulted at Gunpoint in Maryland, Police Asking for Public Assistance Finding Person Who Set Fire in Wilmington, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes, Check Your Change! Church Farm School, 1001 E. Lincoln Highway, in West Whiteland Township, is a boarding and day school that says it is "in the Episcopal tradition." Rowley is not the first employee of Church. If you are ready to commit yourself to your future, to reaching for and fulfilling your educational dreamsones that will lead you to a bright career and responsible citizenshipwe want you to. I cover how law enforcement investigates crime in Philly's collar counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. The victim contacted Chester County investigators in 2018 to report the sexual assaults but provided limited detail at the time, according to the affidavit of probable cause for Speras arrest. During that time, he also coached baseball and helped manage the teams equipment. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/former-admiral-farragut-employee-arrested-florida-sexual-assault-charges-pennsylvania/67-e341d748-1b26-473c-ad50-153d6e60b205. Theres something equally exciting and terrifying when youre the first to try something new. 2019 Ted Fund Donors COLUMBUS, Ohio (ChurchMilitant.com) - An expelled seminarian in Ohio has filed a lawsuit against his now-former seminary, the Pontifical College Josephinum (PCJ), after he was kicked out for alleged sodomy. Shreiner, an Episcopal clergyman, established the school in Glen Loch (now Exton) Pennsylvania, on Route 30 (Lincoln Highway), as a boarding school for boys from single-parent homes, primarily those without fathers. At 14, Oscar Lu has taken it upon himself to be college-ready, saying "I was relying on my family too much.". Spera is currently at the Pinellas County Jail awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. [7] The school integrated in 1963. 57-year-old Marc Spera faces a laundry list of charges, including: 10 counts of statutory sexual assault He returned to the school after receiving several phone calls from school staff members who were trying to find him, police said. Make sure you know what's happening in your town. Sinclair sued the school for negligence, childhood sexual abuse and vicarious liability, negligent supervision and punitive damages. A custodian also told police she found O'Neill and the teen in a locked classroom with the lights turned off on three occasions. I want to become a part of the life and soil of the pulsing . Yearly: $120 a year, To pay in advance without a subscription, click here Sherrill holds a B.A. Many students come from neighborhoods where the high school graduation rate hovers around 50%, All Seniors are accepted by . from Yale Divinity School. Heavyweight Champion Under Investigation for Hate Crime After Comments on Sodomy, National Catholic Reporter Names Gay Men Persons of the Year. The Church Farm School 1001 E Lincoln Hwy Exton, PA 19341 Tel: (610) 363-7500 www.gocfs.net Church Farm School is a private boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition located on 150 beautiful acres in Exton, PA. Since 1918, this work has been made possible through the support of a wonderful. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1918 and located in Exton, PA, Church Farm School prepares a diverse group of boys with academic ability and good character to lead productive and fulfilling lives by making a college preparatory education financially accessible. The school seems to be acting on the impression that its source against the seminarian is highly trustworthy. And the scope for distraction in cities, especially, is endless. Rod Parsley, senior pastor of World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio. California residents do not sell my data request. The abuse happened between 2008 and 2010 when Spera was a teacher at Church Farm School, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said. Class Vice President Sebastian Corrales '19, from Philadelphia, is a leader in every sense of the word: in the cottage, classroom and on the wrestling mat. Sinclair accuses Spera of sexually abusing him at least 40 different times and giving out free candy, grades that did not reflect Sinclair's academic performance and inappropriate gifts such as a video game console. Schools are meant to be safe environments for children, Barry said. The teen claimed he and O'Neill shared their first kiss at a Motel 6 in King of Prussia in February, 2014 then kissed again at the motel in March to celebrate O'Neill's birthday. A former Pennsylvania private school employee who now works at a Florida private school was arrested last month for allegedly sexually abusing a student during his time at the Pennsylvania school. When I served a church with a columbarium, I imagined where I wanted my ashes. TFCA of GP Meet #8 @ Lehigh University Top 10 Finishers: Shot Put - Charles: 2nd Place (45-1.75) - New Indoor School Record The church then settled the case in 2009 for $3.1million, including post-judgment interest, and sued Grange Mutual. The Church Farm School provides a residential and day college preparatory program for boys, grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition. In the land down under, sex abuse was more rampant than anywhere else on . This Land Press, 23 May 2012. If you have any information about this case, please call Detective Michael Buchmann at 610-363-0200. Church Farm Schoolexists toprovide real and meaningful opportunity to motivated, hard-working boys from many places in our region and around the world, especially those who desire an excellent education. Sign up for only one day for the low cost of $1.99. CFS has become a true partner in educating my greatest trea sures and offered them tremendous opportunities.". Detectives tracked Rowley down to Florida, and during an interview in May, he admitted to the sexual assaults when the teen was a student at Church Farm, according to the affidavit. California residents do not sell my data request. It's the sort of thought that we have when we bury people so often. O'Neill allegedly replied by saying, "I should be wearing sexy clothing for you when you ask that. I cover how law enforcement investigates crime in Philly's collar counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Following the meeting, Doe claims he wasn't allowed to go back to his room if he wasn't accompanied by someone from the school. Church Farm School at a glance 90% receive financial aid from CFS 6 countries represented 67% Spera met the victim in 2008, when the boy was a seventh grader enrolled at the Church Farm School, the affidavit said. Most students are from low-income families, and students pay what they are able to afford. Edmund K. Sherill II, said he admired the courage of the former student for reporting the alleged abuse. billing. When a school employee is charged with sexually abusing a student, we should investigate the perpetrator and also determine if the school met its legal duty to protect its students from preventable sexual abuse. The two expressed their love for one another and began a relationship that lasted 10 months, according to investigators. Click the button below. Unlocking Potential: The CFS Strategic Plan, Baccalaureate and Commencement Information. Doe argues that Schreck's alleged involvement with the dismissal violates canon law, since Schreck was apparently his spiritual director. A day in the life of a Church Farm School student. And to all who are visiting this site, whether a prospective or current student and family member, alumnus or friend, we trust you will find well reflected in all that is presented and communicated through these images both the information you are seeking and an enduring dedication to our core values: integrity, responsibility, respect and brotherhood. Inter-agency collaboration such as this shows child predators that no one is out of our reach.". An interview is REQUIRED as part of the application process, so contact the admission office at 610.363.5347 or at admissions@gocfs.net to set one up. Shreiner, because of his strict belief in the importance of discipline and a strong work ethic, was known to the boys as the "Colonel."[6]. The Church prohibits any men with deep-seated homosexual tendencies from becoming priests, let alone men who act on such desires. [4][5] In 1985, the campus was listed as a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. It has continued to serve as a Christian private. The school was founded in 1918 by Charles Shreiner. Investigators said that during Rowleys time at Church Farm, a college-preparatory school run by Episcopal clergy, he groomed then allegedly raped the student during the teens freshman, junior, and senior years at the school in the late 2000s. option selection above at the current full price on the date of each renewal, until you cancel. The teen, who is now 17, told police he began a relationship with O'Neill in January, 2014, when he was 16 and she was his teacher. The Church Farm School is an independent boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 located in Exton, PA. Rowley used MySpace to send messages to the teen after some of the earliest encounters, telling him to keep them secret, the affidavit said. ", West Whiteland Police Chief Lee Benson said, "Thank you to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their assistance in apprehending the defendant. During an interview earlier this year, he told detectives that Rowley had massaged him, inappropriately touched, and forcibly sexually assaulted him as many as 300 times. Daniel Rowley is the second former Church Farm School staff member to face such charges in two years. 10 7% of Catholic Priests In Australia Have Been Accused Of Sexual Abuse. Church Farm School #4 in Best Private High Schools in Chester County A+ Overall Grade Private, Boarding, Episcopal, All-Boys 9-12 EXTON, PA 43 reviews Apply Now Virtual Tour COVID-19 Update for Prospective Students and Families: We can't wait to welcome you to our beautiful Exton campus to learn more about our boarding or day school programs. He was arrested last year. The school's third headmaster, Charles "Terry" Shreiner, III, the founder's grandson, led the school from 1987 and retired in 2009. [4] [5] In 1985, the campus was listed as a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places . You also These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. COLUMBUS, Ohio ( ChurchMilitant.com) - An expelled seminarian in Ohio has filed a lawsuit against his now-former seminary, the Pontifical College Josephinum (PCJ), after he . He was Chaplain and taught at his alma mater, Wooster School, in Danbury, Connecticut. The Reverend Edmund K. Ned Sherrill became Church Farm Schools fourth Head of School on July 1, 2009. "Do not miss this opportunity for Pastor Parsley to pray for you, along with KENNETH COPELAND, a gifted preacher with incredible understanding of God's power a man of astonishing faith! She is currently out on bond and scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2. Contents 1 History 2 Notable alumni 3 References 4 External links History [ edit] The school was founded in 1918 by Charles Shreiner. Submit news to our tip line. The bishop of Tyler, TX talks to Terry Barber. 2020 The Legal Herald, a division of Eagle Peak Marketing, LLC. 2. The victim, however, was not ready to speak with law enforcement about the abuse at that time, the D.A. Church Farm School was founded in 1913 as an Episcopal private school for young boys with an attention to farming and agricultural work. We are looking to replace our portable basketball backstop in the Pavilion as it is showing much wear from the many scholar-athletes who've used it for competition over the years. Before coming to CFS, he was Head Chaplain and Head of the Religion Department at St. Marks School, Southborough, Massachusetts. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Andy Carrigan, a creative advertising directory currently working for Facebook, is excited to help tell the CFS story as a member of our Board of Directors. Get briefed on today's top stories with Kim Tisor. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Founded in 1918 to provide an excellent education to young men from limited means, Church Farm School now serves boys from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity. Pastor Rod Parsley at World Harvest Church in Ohio. After the investigation, ONeill was arrested and charged with four counts of corruption of minors. According to Doe, Msgr. Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. The charges against Rowley mark the second time in two years that a former teacher at Church Farm has faced charges of sexual abuse. Earlier in 2018, the victim revealed the abuse to his guidance counselor a mandated reporter, required by state law to report suspected sexual abuse discovered in the course of their work. ChurchMilitant.com contacted the seminary for comment, but did not receive a response before publication time. On March 5, CFS removed to federal court the lawsuit of plaintiff Christopher Sinclair, who was a boarding student at the school from 2008-2010 when he was 12 to 14 years old. CHARLES WESLEY JR., 82, retired Headmaster of the Church Farm School, Exton, PA. Services will be held in the Chapel of the Atonement on the Church Farm School Campus on Rt. But many parents may also feel like their current options arent the best fit for their teen. The Church Farm School (CFS), was founded by the Reverend Dr. Charles W. Shreiner in 1918. reads the promotion. West Whiteland Police and Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating. Parsley, who describes himself as "a TV host, evangelist, educator, humanitarian and statesman," regularly teaches about financial blessings and prosperity in health and relationships. Shortly after its founding, the school acquired the Benjamin Pennypacker House property. Angela Torres, mother to Josh '21 and Caleb '22, says sending her boys to boarding school was one of the best decisions she's ever made." The Church Farm School is an independent boarding and day school for boys in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition. Founded in 1918 to provide an excellent education to young men from limited means, Church Farm School now serves boys from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity. Doe officially started his program toward the priesthood in 2010 and was set to graduate next May. The church then settled the case in 2009 for $3.1million, including post-judgment interest, and sued Grange Mutual. Police also discovered hundreds of phone calls and emails between O'Neill and the teen, according to an affidavit. Premium users have access to full-length programs with limited commercials and receive a 10% discount in the store! Rowley also told detectives he was fired from the school after an internal investigation into content on his laptop. The teen also told police he and O'Neill engaged in oral sex several times in her car, the Motel 6 as well as in Narberth Park in Narberth, Pennsylvania over the summer. For junior Fayi Nshanji, the first Church Farm School student to participate in a term-away program, that adage has proven accurate. The victim in the case has filed a lawsuit against Church Farm School, saying its staff improperly allowed Spera to spend unsupervised time with him. "It was quite a long winter break before my lips even attempted yours and I wondered if you were as affected as I.". A former teacher at a private boarding school in Chester County was sentenced this week to 15 to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting a student at the school. He says a public announcement of the dismissal tarnished his reputation, too. "Then we'll send your prayer cloth back to you saturated with the anointing!". Email this CP reporter at nicola.menzie(at)christianpost.com |. Over the first half of its history, the school's campus grew to 1700 acres, on which it operated a large farm with student labor. Read a related report on the Spera case here. Lawyer Comments:In the second part of this article, school abuse attorney Brian Kent will discuss the legal rights of private school sex abuse victims and their families. My office will root out any adult, wherever they live, who abuses or has abused children, Ryan said. "At every (World Harvest Church) service you'll find a family-friendly congregation of Spirit-filled believers in Jesus Christ, representing every age, ethnic group and walk of life," the ministry states on its website. Seminary scandals. After Shreiner died in 1964, the Board of Directors placed the school under the direction of his son, Charles Shreiner, Jr., a World War II veteran who served until retirement in 1987. At issue is whether Justice Paul E. Pfeifer decides that Vaughan's beating of the child falls under corporal punishment or abuse, the latter of which is not covered under World Harvest Church's policy with its former insurer and would force the nonprofit organization to pay out the full sum on its own. Daniel Rowley, 70, of Ft. Meyers, Fla., is being extradited from Ft. Meyers to Chester County. They also said they are cooperating fully with the investigation. 30, Exton, PA on Sat . Rowley worked as a dorm supervisor at the Church Farm School in West Whiteland Township between 1991 and 2010, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. School staff said they found a love note O'Neill wrote to the teen on a school printer in May and she was asked to resign.