Cover-up Causes More Abuse

Kristin Nelson of WMBF News reported on a lawsuit filed in Florence County, South Carolina, which accuses a private school, its affiliated church, and key staff members of concealing alleged child abuse by an employee for over 15 years. Incredible.

The suit, brought by parents of a toddler, names Maranatha Christian School, First Free Will Baptist Church, and employees Laurin Boyce, Lee Patrick, Dawn Kirven, and Jessica Elmore. Boyce pleaded guilty to unlawful conduct toward a child. Patrick, Kirven, and Elmore face pending charges for failing to report.

The civil Complaint asserts that evidence will prove school leadership created a culture of hiding abuse and failing to report it. A recent incident is persuasive evidence. Administrators reportedly tried to cover an incident up and obscure video evidence after Boyce allegedly assaulted a 20-month-old.

The lawsuit claims a sheriff’s investigation uncovered evidence of over 20 previously concealed incidents involving Boyce dating back to 2011 and seeks actual and punitive damages.

According to the lawsuit, on January 23, 2025, an employee witnessed Boyce physically assaulting the plaintiffs’ child. The incident was reported to Elmore, Kirven, and Patrick, but no action was taken, prompting the employee to inform the child’s parents directly. When the parents requested to view surveillance footage, Kirven manipulated the video playback to hide abuse, claiming technical issues.

In February, Florence County deputies arrested Boyce, Patrick, Kirven, and Elmore. Boyce, please guilty of unlawful conduct toward a child. The cases against Patrick, Kirven, and Elmore are still ongoing with charges related to their failure to report abuse.

The lawsuit contends that the school’s leadership fostered a culture of concealment, not reporting mandatory obligations, and deceiving parents about incidents of abuse and neglect. This furthers the claim that Boyce’s abusive behavior was a known issue that was ongoing for over 15 years with no intervention.