Paul Havsgaard

Former California Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse in Bucharest

Two Romanian men have filed lawsuits in California accusing former Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Paul Havsgaard of sexually abusing and trafficking children at a Bucharest shelter he ran. The lawsuits also name Harvest Christian Fellowship’s founder Greg Laurie and other senior church leaders, alleging they failed to prevent the abuse of dozens of children lured to the shelter. The complaints detail severe abuse, including sexual assault and exploitation, and accuse Havsgaard of using church funds and bringing some children back to California to raise money. Harvest Christian Fellowship has denied the allegations, stating the lawsuit is misplaced, and has reported the allegations to law enforcement.

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Former Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse in Bucharest, Raising Questions on Faith and Hierarchy

Two Romanian men have filed lawsuits in California’s U.S. District Court accusing former Riverside megachurch pastor Paul Havsgaard of sexually abusing and trafficking children at a Bucharest shelter he ran for years. The plaintiffs, along with dozens of other children, were allegedly lured by Havsgaard with promises of shelter and education. The lawsuits also name Harvest Christian Fellowship founder Greg Laurie and other church leaders, claiming they failed to prevent the abuse despite reports and red flags. Havsgaard is accused of egregious acts of sexual abuse, including exploitation for sex work, and the church is accused of negligence and providing significant financial support to the alleged abuser.

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