Former Jehovah’s Witness Elder to Stand Trial for Alleged Rape and Sexual Abuse of Young Men

A former Jehovah’s Witness elder has been committed to stand trial for alleged rape and sexual abuse of young men on the Sunshine Coast over a 10-year period. The 62-year-old man, Peter Mitchelson, was arrested in August 2022 and charged with more than 50 sexual offences, including 21 counts of rape, which allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2018.

The charges relate to five adult male complainants who were known to Mr. Mitchelson through the Jehovah’s Witness faith. During a committal hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court, it was alleged that Mr. Mitchelson used his position as a former congregation elder to coerce younger men into performing sexual acts for his gratification.

Police stated the acts were non-consensual and left the alleged victims feeling “used, controlled, and lied to.” Mr. Mitchelson was committed to stand trial on 53 charges, while charges of incest and torture were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

The court heard that the alleged offending began with Mr. Mitchelson advising victims on using “positive affirmations” to improve their confidence. Initial meetings involved victims repeating phrases like “I’m strong. I’m powerful. I’m confident” in front of a mirror, which later progressed to naked and masturbating in front of Mr. Mitchelson.

One man was allegedly told he would be “cleansed” of human papillomavirus (HPV) if he allowed Mr. Mitchelson to penetrate him. Another man allegedly had non-consensual intercourse with Mr. Mitchelson while being filmed. The defence argued the videos showed consensual acts, but the prosecutor emphasized the insular nature of the Jehovah’s Witness community.

Sergeant Lambert highlighted the fear of disfellowshipment, which could lead to losing family and support networks. Mr. Mitchelson himself had been disfellowshipped and had no contact with his daughters, who had moved out of the family home. (Proverbs 31:8-9), (Ephesians 5:11)

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