DIstrict Attorney Scott McNamara – Religious Cults Info ~ Resources, Answers and Hope

Survivor of WOLCC Speaks Out as Defendants are Sentenced

Admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 15:06:14 +0000

A few days ago, I received an email from Kristel Leonard. She is a former longtime member of Word of Life Christian Church (WOLCC) in Chadwicks, New York. Her message to me offered to answer questions about her brothers, Lucas and Christopher Leonard. I immediately became interested in her perspective and story. Recently, she publically began speaking out about the damaging effects of mind control. Today’s post is about Monday’s sentencing hearing. In a future post we will hear from Kristel as she recalls her time inside WOLCC and her exit from the group.

As a review:

On Sunday, October 11, 2015; Lucas and his younger brother, Christopher, were called into a “counseling session” by the leader of WOLCC church. Pastor Tiffanie Irwin arranged the meeting which stretched into the wee hours of the next morning. From what authorities learned later, the two teens confessed to sins never committed in an effort to be expelled from the group that after many years they wanted to leave. Investigations revealed these feigned confessions resulted in an untethered rage and anger fueling physical violence ending in the death of Lucas and severe injury to Christopher. Authorities also believe that statements from leader and Pastor Tiffanie Irwin being in contact with her brother who was participating; added to the intensity from which she bore culpability for the outcome.

The deadly physical assault included hitting with fists, kicking and striking with an electrical cord. The deceased was repeatedly struck in or near the groin and bled out from those injuries. Christopher Leonard suffered several injuries including blows to the lower back which required hospitalization and supervised medical care for several days.

Nine members of the small church were indicted in late 2015 and through court proceedings all were either found guilty or took plea agreements. Six defendants agreed to an Alford plea agreement. This arrangement does not require the defendant to admit guilt. These agreements included charges ranging from unlawful imprisonment, gang assault, first and second degree assault and first, second and third degree manslaughter.

This past Monday, the parents were the final defendants sentenced in this case. The District Attorney, Scott McNamara, had explained in earlier statements that he was asking the judge to reduce the sentence of Bruce Leonard from the original agreed upon 15-16 years. Public bewilderment over this move has been intense. However, McNamara believed his requests to be justified.

Early in the proceedings, the mother, Mrs. Deborah Leonard, took a plea deal for her testimony in the case. During sentencing this past Monday, she labeled her representation as a “hack job” and chided Kristel for never accepting her as a step-mother and only speaking now for personal gain. Even though she apologized for her part in the counseling session, clearly she has not fully resolved her part in the events from October 2015. She received five years in state prison.

From our resource article:

Deborah Leonard … expressed her extreme sorrow over what occurred, and transitioned into allegations that the prosecution had broken promises she said were made as part of her plea deal, and decrying how her attorney handled her case.

(Her claim pertaining to broken promises accused the District Attorney of not following through on a pledge to let her see Christopher if she took the plea. This claim McNamara completely denies.)

She also took a moment to apologize to her “church family,” a group that included all of her co-defendants. (children and grandchildren were included in the admission.)

“I apologize for bringing all of you into this,” she said while weeping. “I love you all very much and ask for your forgiveness. Again, I want to apologize to my boys (Christopher and Lucas) for not recognizing the warning signs and not getting help and for the environment you were raised in. You deserve much better.” (She did not address whether she believed any of the false accusations during the session.)

Kristel remembers Deborah’s open chastisement of her husband during this recitation. “Bruce, we should have done better.”

During Judge Dwyer’s remarks to Deborah, he expressed his confusion as to her apology for the events and yet not knowing when “the brainwashing took over.” He admonished her to continue to search for answers within herself.

The father of the teens, Bruce Leonard, took a plea early in the proceedings as mentioned. During his plea hearing, his testimony was heart wrenching as he wept on the stand. He endured McNamara’s questioning him, “Why?”

In Monday’s proceedings, Pastor Richard Dibble, having visited the defendant many times over the last few months, spoke on his behalf vouching for his character saying he was “not a hardened criminal…The actions of that one night are not consistent with the life of this man…”

A previous employer, who also was his brother-in-law, Timothy Wright spoke to his relationship and observations of Mr. Leonard. He observed Bruce as a “follower” and Leonard tried to make sense of the accusations against his sons during the fury of the counseling session. “…waiting for someone else to call a stop to what was happening.”

Kristel Leonard spoke next on her father’s behalf. After she addressed the judge, (you are) “fair and impartial. You have diligently sought the facts in this case, carefully considered each decision you’ve made, and not allowed the highly emotional drama of this tragedy to influence your rulings. For this I will be ever grateful.”

Kristel fondly recalled memories from childhood learning life lessons from her father. She recounted her father’s admission that other’s admonished him, “Bruce, you’re too nice.” She described her father as smart and intelligent but, “stubborn and indecisive.” Kristel went on to say these qualities were overridden by the control of the Pastor and noted the cord used as a weapon was “put in his hand” and the following behaviors demanded of him.

Kristel also reminded those in attendance that during the counseling session, her father had declared, “We have to stop.”

Judge Michael Dwyer then addressed Mr. Leonard inquiring if he indeed had changed since the events of October 2015. Bruce Leonard affirmed he had changed and in no way would repeat the decisions of that fateful night.

All of the testimony and the judge’s questions answered by Mr. Leonard resulted in Judge Dwyer reducing the 15 year sentence to 10 years. The outcome seemed fair considering the catalyst for the deadly session; Pastor Tiffanie Irwin received 12 years.

Tiffanie Irwin, pastor and organizer of the deadly events, plead to third-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault. During her recent sentencing hearing, she attempted to label the plea deal as coerced and a violation of her rights. However, the judge told her she could have stopped the session at any minute. Her attorney is seeking an appeal of the sentence.

The half-sister, Sarah Ferguson, took her chances with a bench trial. She was convicted of first degree manslaughter, first degree assault and gang assault and was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. The most dramatic scene in her trial was the District Attorney holding up the pants of the deceased showing a large blood stain between the legs. Even when faced with this stark display, she tried to convince the judge she did not realize the injuries were life threatening. He did not believe her. Authorities believe Sarah struck the fatal blows resulting in the death of Lucas. During the proceedings, she initially refused to look at pictures of the victim. Later during the sentencing, she was forced to look at the pictures of the injuries.

In October 2016, Traci Irwin, who is 50, and son, Daniel Irwin, 25, mother and brother to the pastor, Tiffanie Irwin, plead to unlawful imprisonment. Authorities could not prove either of these actually touched the victims. They each received two years in prison.

Joseph Irwin, her 23-year-old brother, pleaded to first-degree gang assault and second-degree assault. He received eight years in prison.

David, 27, and Linda Morey, 55, long time members, both pleaded to two counts of second-degree assault, and received five years in prison each.

In a future post, we will hear from Kristel Leonard as she recounts her involvement in WOLCC and the events surrounding her exit after 25 years… We will include more from her victim impact statements. As I listened to her story, the similarities between the two groups, WOLCC and WOFF were overwhelming.

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Thank you, for taking time to visit and read this blog. Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Jane told me and Josh confirmed it.

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Word of Life Defendants Plead to Avoid Trial

Admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 18:31:20 +0000

The death of a teen in a small town in New York a little over a year ago shocked the country. Those who read about it were confused how a teenager died during a church “counseling” session. One young man died, his brother was hospitalized with severe injuries. The local residents protested and held candlelight vigils. The stories of strange observations by neighbors; the reports of those who once were a part of the Word of Life Christian Church all pointed to dangerous and unsafe behaviors.

Lucas Leonard and his brother Christopher were held after church Sunday, October 11, 2015. The counseling session for them lasted about 14 hours. From this session, Lucas died of injuries inflicted with an electric cord along with receiving kicks and punches from those surrounding him. Christopher was found the next day by authorities in dire need of medical care with multiple bruises and kidney injuries. He spent several days in the local hospital under legal protection while the authorities sought to make sense of the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

The results of the investigation included indictments for nine members of the small church. Those indicted included the parents of the deceased, the half-sister, the pastor, her mom, her brothers and two additional members. Charges included murder, kidnapping and gang assault. Early in the proceedings, the mother, Mrs. Deborah Leonard, took a plea deal for her testimony in the case. She will receive no more than five years in state prison.

The father of the teens, Bruce Leonard, was the next to take a plea. His testimony was heart wrenching. He will receive 15 or 16 years in prison and have many years to consider the nagging question from District Attorney McNamara- “Why?”

The half-sister, Sarah Ferguson, chose to take her chances with a bench trial. We reported her plight earlier on this blog. She was convicted of first degree manslaughter, first degree assault and gang assault. She will serve 25 years in state prison. The most dramatic scene in her trial was the District Attorney holding up the pants of the deceased showing a large blood stain between the legs. She tried to convince the judge she did not realize the injuries were life threatening, he did not believe her.

October 21, 2016, news outlets reported the conclusion of the case as the last four defendants accepted plea deals presumably to avoid a murder trial and the requirement to explain their part in session. The list of results found here. A summary follows.

During October, Traci Irwin, who is 50, and son, Daniel Irwin, 25, mother and brother to the pastor, Tiffani Irwin, plead guilty to unlawful imprisonment. They will receive two years in prison.

Tiffani Irwin, pastor and presumed leader of the session, plead guilty to third-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault. She will receive a 12 sentence under the agreement.

Joseph Irwin, her 23-year-old brother, pleaded guilty to first-degree gang assault and second-degree assault. He is to receive eight years in prison.

David, 27, and Linda Morey, 55, long time members, both pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault, and will get five years in prison each.

Let’s consider certain things in this case. The defendants chose to admit guilt of serious crimes instead of defending their “religious freedoms” to pray, to exercise their religious practices and stand up for their rights! What could have kept them from risking their future and going to trial? Who knows, but it could have been to swift and precise nature of the investigation and prosecution of the case. They could have learned a lot after the guilty verdict for Sarah Ferguson.

Look at the charges that several defendants agreed to. Five agreed to admit guilt for charges other than murder or manslaughter. That was a “safe” alternative for them and under counsel from their attorney. Accept jail time rather than risk a longer or worse sentence.

Can we in North Carolina learn anything from these happenings? Does the gang assault charge apply to any cases involving Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) victims? We don’t know, yet. In my opinion, this charge and several others would be appropriate. In fairness, the tragedy in New York was more obvious for successful prosecution, there was a body. Hopefully, we in NC will not have to wait for a body to get swift, fair and accurate investigation charges involving crimes against ex-WOFF members.

Honestly, I continue to hold hope for Matthew Fenner to receive his day in court. Obviously, this case has been drawn out longer than expected. Will 2017 be the year when he will see the scale of justice weighing his case? Will other WOFF survivors face their fears and come forward? We shall see. When more survivors seek justice, it will get easier for others to go to the authorities for help. For many reasons, several not connected to the present public servants; the trust in our local legal system has been damaged. 2017 is the year our trust can return. That hope can keep us focused on seeking truth and helping those who need our help.

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District Attorney McNamara to seek “gang assault” charges in Leonard case

Admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 09:44:40 +0000

Wednesday, the Utica Observer-Dispatch reported on their website the next chapter in the sad case of religion gone awry in the Word of Life Christian Church of Chadwicks, NY. Lucas Leonard died October 12th at the St. Lukes Hospital in New Hartford after allegedly suffering a beating at hands of his parents and four other church members. The parents, Bruce Leonard and Deborah Leonard face first degree manslaughter charges stemming from the incident which began Sunday evening, October 11th. Also charged with second degree assault were Joseph Irwin, David Morey, Linda Morey and Lucas’ half-sister, Sarah Ferguson.

Christopher Leonard, 17, brother to Lucas also suffered severe injuries during the “counseling session.” Authorities first confirmed the use of “fists and feet.” Wednesday, Christopher testified to the use of a “cord” during the assault. Testimony on Wednesday was enough for the judge to refer the case to the Oneida County grand jury for consideration. Bond for Sarah Ferguson remained at $50,000.

Included in the report from Wednesday were remarks from Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara. He said the office plans on pursuing any individuals who have culpability in the case.

“We are looking at everybody that was involved in this incident and we will present all the information that we have to the grand jury, along with the charges that were originally filed and any other charges we feel are appropriate and that will include depraved indifference murder,” McNamara said. “There are numerous other charges, one of those charges will be gang assault. There are a lot of other charges that were not initially filed, but we can ask a grand jury to consider.” (emphasis added)

I read the above statement a few times before I understood what the DA meant. He plans to present evidence to a grand jury in hopes of securing charges of “gang assault.” We know there are at least six defendants and in his remarks, we learn there may be more charged in the assault. Folks, he considers the activity during the evening of October 11th through the morning of October 12th inside the walls of the church to meet the minimum requirements under New York State statutes for “gang assault” charges. The DA is setting his course to convince a grand jury that this “church” engaged in gang like activities- at least during the session in question.

From the article about Christopher’s testimony;

“The meeting was to “talk about what we had done,” he said. He described how he and his brother were directed to stand in the center of the church’s small sanctuary and were asked questions by the pastor. When they did not respond, his parents, sister and other congregants punched them and whipped them with a folded-over electrical cord.”

“…were asked questions by the pastor.” The answers must have angered some one or many folks. Why? Who could perform such a beating as described, which resulted in the death of one victim and be happy or emotionless? We also have learned the deceased victim wanted to leave the church. More is yet to be learned, but does the above scenario send chills up your spine as it does mine? Before I explain why, let me mention the hearing on Friday.

In addition to Wednesday’s session, a closed door family court hearing was held Friday for the children removed from the church during the initial investigation. Attorney Devin Garramore representing Deborah Leonard, commented after the hearing that the “court is arranging placement for the children.”

Was the beating of the two teens at the church a “gang assault”?

In order to gain further understanding, I researched the North Carolina statutes looking for offenses labeled as “gang” related. These observations are from a laymen reading, but my curiosity revolves around the Matthew Fenner case. This case stems from incidents on January 27, 2013 which resulted in five members, Brooke Covington, Justin Covington, Sarah Anderson, Adam Bartley and Robert Lewis Walker, Jr. being indicted on second degree kidnapping and felony assault charges. Sarah Anderson has also been charged with assault by strangulation.

The questions are obvious. Under NC Law, could there be charges of “gang assault” considered? If not, what about the Michael Lowry case, could there have been gang related charges in that case? Do the activities witnessed by many inside the walls of the sanctuary of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) qualify as “gang assault”? What about the abuses suffered in the homes of the leaders? What do the statutes say? First let’s understand the definition of “criminal street gang.” Our resource is www.nationalgangcenter.gov as they quote and summarize North Carolina Law.

North Carolina § 15A-1340.16. Aggravated and Mitigated Sentences

“A “criminal street gang” means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of felony or violent misdemeanor offenses, or delinquent acts that would be felonies or violent misdemeanors if committed by an adult, and having a common name or common identifying sign, colors, or symbols.”

Using this definition could the WOFF “deliverance sessions” as in the Fenner case or the “deliverance fights” or sessions which Michael Lowry described; qualify WOFF as a “criminal street gang”? John, you are reaching! Really? The “primary activities” of these sessions from my understanding has morphed into “the commission of felony and/or VIOLENT misdemeanors offenses.” Why? People are held against their will with differing degrees of force. Who can deny the primary activity of WOFF is to KEEP their members “serving God” by STAYING at WOFF – even if some express a desire to leave? How many attempted escapes have ended in recapture of the member? By hook or crook or coercion or force, some would consider this recapture activity at least a mind-bending misdemeanor offense.

Are you calling WOFF a “criminal street gang?” If the definition fits- OWN it. Allow me to continue.

We know there is a defined physical boundary which unapproved visitors dare not cross? WOFF security protects their “turf.” Can anyone deny that?

Who can deny Jane Whaley’s role as leader of this group orchestrating and overseeing the “primary activities” of the group. More from our resource:

North Carolina § 14-50.16. Pattern of Criminal Street Gang Activity
“(a) It is unlawful for any person employed by or associated with a criminal street gang to do either of the following:
(1) To conduct or participate in a pattern of criminal street gang activity.
(2) To acquire or maintain any interest in or control of any real or personal property through a pattern of criminal street gang activity.
A violation of this section is a Class H felony, except that a person who violates subdivision (a)(1) of this section, and is an organizer, supervisor, or acts in any other position of management with regard to the criminal street gang, shall be guilty of a Class F felony.” (emphasis added)

Certainly, as a leader in WOFF, if Brooke Covington’s leadership role is proven in the Fenner case; she will deserve a more severe sentence. (in my opinion.)

Yes, New York is New York, and North Carolina is the good old south, where we hold in esteem our preachers and our beloved evangelists. Is North Carolina ready for “gang assault” charges to be filed against members of a church? More specifically, is Rutherford County ready for the activities inside the secretive walls of WOFF to be classified as “gang related”? Before you answer, consider another known fact about WOFF.

The WOFF strategy over the last few years has included heavy recruitment from the local prisons. According to the October 1st edition, the Daily Courier reported on a meeting at Isothermal Community College; Douglas McDonald, DeWitt Prince and Jamie Reidy all serve on the governing board of the 096 Chaplaincy Ministry. All three are WOFF members. They don’t hide their purpose to recruit from the prisons.

From abc-11.com, May 14, 2015- I-Team: Assaults on North Carolina Corrections Officers Increasing.

“A staggering number of gangs are operating inside North Carolina prisons – a total of 1000. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety says they have been threatening and attacking correctional officers if they don’t get what they want.”

So, WOFF recruits from the prison population already conditioned to gang related activities, mores, structures and penalties. Could these new recruits easily be conditioned to carry out “the commission of felony or violent misdemeanor offenses?” Can we say from one gang environment to another? The second gang will dress you nice, feed you well, and give you a job and girl-friend. Catch? Leaving can cost you a high price. In gang terms, it may cost you a “beat out.”

The case in New York is worth watching. If the DA is successful in having church members charged with “gang assault,” should we consider the same for the Fenner case? Yes, the Leonard case and the Fenner case have many striking similarities.

Season of Changes is upon us. Will this be a cold winter in Spindale?

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Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

Guest posts reflect the opinions of the writers. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of John Huddle or any other persons affiliated with this blog.