Church of the Nazarene Named in Lawsuit Over Alleged Protection Failures in Reger Abuse Case

The lawsuit alleges that Bradley Earl Reger, a nurse practitioner who operated ambulance companies in Lassen County, sexually abused numerous minors over a span of more than two decades. The 64-page legal action, filed in Sacramento Superior Court, names 14 “Doe” plaintiffs who claim to have been victims of Reger’s abuse, which reportedly began as early as 1998 and continued through this year. The suit accuses Reger of using his position as a trusted medical professional and volunteer in religious and community settings to gain access to young men, often under the pretense of providing medical care.

Reger, who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, is described in the lawsuit as a “serial pedophile” who allegedly abused hundreds of minors. The legal documents state that he exploited his role in various religious congregations, camps, coaching positions, and medical facilities to engage in sexual misconduct. The alleged victims, aged between 12 and 18, were targeted through medical procedures such as “mole inspections” or routine physical exams, which the suit claims were used to mask his abuse.

The lawsuit details that Reger was first investigated by Susanville police in 1986 over allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Despite multiple instances of suspicion, he was never formally charged until this year. The plaintiffs argue that the defendants, including church and school organizations, ignored or concealed Reger’s abuse, allowing him to continue his predatory behavior. This pattern of inaction, the suit claims, enabled Reger to operate within communities where he was trusted and respected.

Among the defendants named in the lawsuit are the owners of a Bible camp in Alaska where Reger volunteered, the Susanville Church of the Nazarene where he was active, and Dr. Hal Meadows, a local physician who served as Reger’s mentor. The suit alleges that Meadows received information about Reger’s inappropriate behavior with minors prior to his arrest and failed to fulfill his legal obligation to report the abuse to authorities. Neither Meadows nor the pastor of the Nazarene church responded to requests for comment.

Other individuals and organizations involved in Reger’s life have expressed unawareness of his alleged activities, though some residents of Susanville say there were long-standing suspicions about him. Zack Winfrey, one of the 14 plaintiffs, met Reger through the Susanville Nazarene church and claims he was abused by him when he was 10. Winfrey stated that the lawsuit aims to expose the broader network of individuals and institutions that may have allowed Reger’s abuse to continue unchecked.

The case raises questions about accountability and the responsibilities of those in positions of trust, particularly within religious and community organizations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the alleged failures of oversight and the need for transparency in protecting vulnerable individuals. The situation underscores the importance of vigilance, reporting, and the moral imperative to safeguard the well-being of others, as emphasized in Micah 6:8—“to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

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