Court Rules in Favor of Mary Jones After Lengthy Legal Battle
A Washington state appeals court has dismissed disgraced pastor Micahn Carter’s defamation lawsuit against his former church secretary, Mary Jones. In a unanimous decision on December 30, the court ruled that Jones’ 2021 blog post about a “nonconsensual and horribly traumatic event” did not defame Carter, even though he was not named directly. The judges found her statement was protected under free speech laws and deemed legally true due to the unique circumstances.
Carter had filed two lawsuits—first in Alabama, then in Washington—claiming Jones’ public statements damaged his reputation and career. The court not only rejected his claims but also ordered him to pay Jones’ legal fees.
Judges Defend Survivor’s Right to Speak Out
The 100-page ruling was clear in its defense of abuse survivors who speak out. The court stated that when a church leader engages in sexual misconduct, “the law protects such a young woman when she rightly informs and educates the public.” Judges also dismissed Carter’s argument that Jones’ changing narrative undermined her credibility. Instead, they noted this reflected common trauma responses among sexual abuse victims.
Jones’ attorney, Theo Lesczynski, praised the decision as a victory for all survivors. He called the ruling “groundbreaking” and said it helps ensure that survivors can “bring public attention to these extraordinarily important issues.”
Carter Denies Rape Allegation, Cites Mental Health Diagnosis
Carter, who previously led Together Church in Yakima, denied raping Jones and claimed their sexual contact was consensual. In a 2021 statement to his congregation, he called the incident a “wrong decision” and said he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He stepped down and entered a restoration program through the Association of Related Churches (ARC), which has faced multiple scandals.
Legal Ruling Shifts Public and Legal Narrative
The court emphasized that as a pastor, Carter qualifies as a limited public figure. This designation grants greater protection to public commentary on his behavior. The judges ruled Jones’ blog post was of public interest and legally permissible.
Jones had initially tried to leave the church quietly, hoping to avoid public fallout for Carter’s family. But after receiving no response to a private letter sent to ARC leadership, she made her experience public.
Path Forward Remains Unclear for Carter
Carter has not publicly responded to the ruling. His new church, The Place, is scheduled to launch in Indianapolis this spring, but its future is uncertain. He has until January 19 to request reconsideration and until January 29 to appeal to the Washington Supreme Court.
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Disgraced pastor Micahn Carter loses lawsuit against former secretary, ordered to pay legal fees
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