FBI Investigates Two by Twos Sect Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

ABC News conducted a year-long investigation into the Two by Twos (2×2), a secretive Christian sect, which found that hundreds of individuals were sexually abused as children within the organization. The FBI is investigating the group after child sex abuse allegations from former members. According to the reporting, dozens of alleged victims from at least 34 states came forward, describing abuse dating back to the 1950s.

Former member Sheri Autrey alleges that she was abused repeatedly by a 28-year-old minister, Steve Rohs, beginning when she was 14. Autrey said that when she questioned her alleged abuser, she was accused of having a bad spirit or of being affected by devils. According to Autrey’s research paper, Rohs told her not to tell her parents and promised her protection if she remained silent.

Autrey’s parents informed overseer Eldon Tenniswood, who wrote to Rohs warning him that the acts constituted a felony. In his letter, Rohs denied the accusations, claiming that only consensual intimate contact had occurred, and said he had taken steps to pray for forgiveness.

A separate report from abc7news.com describes the Two by Twos, also called the Church With No Name, as being at the center of the FBI investigation into alleged child sexual abuse. The group operates in the Bay Area and has been described by former members as a nondenominational sect with a history dating back to the late 1800s. Former member LaNette Burrage Flanigan called the organization disturbing and said it promotes the idea that it is the only true path.

Private investigator Cynthia Liles, who is working with the FBI, said the abuse appears to be systemic and intergenerational. Several former members have described alleged sexual abuse by ministers or other members during their childhood. Lauralee Brown described abuse occurring about two times a week or more during gatherings known as Truth meetings. The group’s leadership has been accused of living in the homes of followers, which allegedly provided easy access to young children.

Gary Paul, a minister based in Washington state, said he had not seen any evidence of abuse and found the accounts difficult to believe.