Two Romanian men have filed federal lawsuits alleging they were sexually abused and trafficked as children by a former missionary affiliated with Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. The civil complaints, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, name former missionary Paul Havsgaard as the abuser and accuse the church and senior pastor Greg Laurie of negligence in failing to intervene.
Allegations of a “Torture Chamber” at Romanian Shelter
Plaintiffs Marian Barbu, 33, and Mihai-Constantin Petcu, 40, claim they were among dozens of children abused at a shelter Havsgaard ran in Bucharest from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. They allege that Havsgaard lured vulnerable street children with promises of food and education, only to subject them to years of sexual and physical abuse.
The lawsuits detail graphic claims, including voyeurism, forced prostitution, and beatings. Havsgaard allegedly told victims, “I know what God wants; what I want, God wants,” to justify his actions. The shelter was described as a place of routine humiliation and trauma.
Church Funding and Alleged Oversight Failures
The lawsuits allege Harvest sent Havsgaard $17,000 per month and allowed him to bring some of the children to California to solicit donations. Plaintiffs claim the church ignored multiple warnings about Havsgaard’s behavior, including complaints from visitors and donors who noted poor conditions and suspected abuse.
Although Havsgaard was once listed as part of Harvest staff, the church states that the Romanian shelter was never formally part of its organization. Still, the plaintiffs argue that the financial ties and promotional activities created an obligation for oversight that church leaders failed to meet.
Church Rejects Claims as False and Harmful
In a statement, a Harvest spokesperson called the lawsuits “serious and disturbing” but claimed they are misdirected. The church labeled the allegations against Laurie and Harvest as “financial extortion” and denied involvement in the shelter’s day-to-day operations.
Harvest also accused the plaintiffs and their attorney of refusing to cooperate with U.S. authorities, despite making criminal accusations.
More Victims Expected to Come Forward
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Jef McAllister, said at least 20 additional victims are expected to file lawsuits. Many are still dealing with trauma, illiteracy, and poverty. McAllister emphasized that the legal action aims to achieve recognition, justice, and financial relief for the victims’ suffering.
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