Los Angeles, USA - Three men have filed Los Angeles lawsuits claiming Lutheran church leaders knew a Bell Gardens pastor was a pedophile but tried to cover it up and silence the victims.
Frank Brundige was relieved of his ministry at Lutheran Church of San Pedro y Pablo in 1997 and the 51-year-old disgraced pastor is now serving a 24-year prison sentence for child molestation. He was pastor at the Bell Gardens church from 1989 until his arrest.
Three men filed Los Angeles lawsuits on Wednesday seeking compensation from the church.
Attorney Anthony DeMarco tells the Los Angeles Times that his clients, who are now 32, 20 and 19 years old, suffered abuse at various ages and times.
Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod president Larry Stoterau says he cannot comment.