Baptist Church Leaders Face RICO Legal Challenge Over Sexual Abuse Allegations

Women who allege they were sexually abused by Dave Hyles, an independent fundamental Baptist church leader, are seeking to apply the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to hold him accountable. The federal RICO law, enacted in 1970, was originally designed to target organized criminal enterprises such as the mafia, gangs, and corrupt institutions. It allows prosecutors to charge entire organizations rather than individual members for criminal activities.

Joy Evans Ryder and Rhonda Lee, two of the women alleging abuse, are among hundreds who have come forward with similar claims within the independent fundamental Baptist (IFB) community. These churches, including Southwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, have been the subject of multiple investigations into abuse allegations. Like many sexual assault victims, the women face legal barriers due to statute of limitations laws.

Ryder, speaking through the Blind Eye Movement, a group supporting sexual assault victims in IFB churches, expressed hope that applying RICO would provide a legal avenue for justice. “Not only would it give us our day in court,” she said, “but it would provide potential justice for sexual assault victims who are being denied the opportunity to have their cases heard by a jury.”

The case has been brought before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Illinois. This location was chosen because Lee and Ryder allege that Hyles took them to a Chicago hotel during recruitment trips for sexual abuse. The attorneys, Jeremy Bailie and Kyle Bass, argue that RICO can be applied to the case, naming Hyles and his associated enterprises, including Hyles-Anderson College and various ministries. The complaint also includes “unknown co-conspirators” who may have aided in covering up the abuse.

Bailie noted that this may be one of the first instances where RICO is used in a case involving the obstruction of justice and concealment of sexual abuse. He described the argument as a “novel interpretation” of RICO but emphasized that it aligns with the law’s text. The court will determine whether the attorneys can proceed with their RICO claims against Hyles and his network.

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