A startling legal entanglement involving the Church of Scientology allegedly acquiring classified information from the ex-attorneys of convicted sex offender Danny Masterson could potentially expose the disputed sect's claimed intimidation tactics against those who oppose them, according to law specialists.
Throughout the legal proceedings against Masterson, the church has steadfastly denied any involvement in concealing his transgressions, although his victims have asserted that Scientology leaders discouraged them from reporting to the police.
Recent sanctions imposed by a California judge suggest a conspiracy between Masterson's criminal lawyers and church officials to access confidential police files concerning the sex offender's accusers. Legal expert Brad Banias posits that this points to a trend of "disregard for the law and violations of victims' rights."
Banias added, "If additional evidence also indicates that the church regularly operates outside legal parameters, it could denote a behavioral pattern." This could be significant in a forthcoming civil lawsuit against the church by Masterson's victims and others who claim they were "systematically stalked" by Scientology affiliates after reporting the misconduct of the former 'That '70s Show' star to authorities.
Several legal sources informed that the leak of information is not only legally admissible but is also highly relevant to the alleged harassment, which the church refutes.
Forensic trial expert Dean Tong emphatically stated, "I would emphasize it," adding that he believes it intensifies the severity of the victims' trauma.
Lawyer David Reischer concurs, stating, "The disclosure of confidential information to a third party could be evidence of civil abuse and harassment, intended to distress and terrify a victim."
The alleged harassment reportedly includes credit card fraud, hacking, wiretapping, surveillance of the accusers' residences, intimidating messages, and even pet poisoning. The church has refuted all accusations of misconduct, but New York attorney Gerald Allen suggests that the evidence of conspiracy between Scientology officials and Masterson's lawyers is astounding and reprehensible. Allen states, "it's difficult to conceive of a motive other than their concerted involvement at each stage."
The National ENQUIRER reported on the sources' comments.