The Todd Summers abuse allegations stem from a 2008 civil lawsuit in Orange County, California, in which an anonymous plaintiff accused the Costa Mesa videographer of sexually abusing him from roughly 1990 to 1999, starting when the accuser was about 12. Prosecutors declined to file criminal charges, citing a lack of evidence, and the civil case against Summers himself was dismissed in April 2010 without any settlement or payment. Other defendants, including Summers’ parents, the family’s property business, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, settled separately.1Los Angeles Times. Lawsuit Against Todd Summers Dismissed
What the Accuser Alleged
The plaintiff, identified in court papers as John Doe, was about seven years younger than Summers. He alleged the abuse took place at an LDS chapel in Costa Mesa, at the home of Summers’ parents Pamela and Roger Summers, and at a family business.2Los Angeles Times. Accuser Settles With Summers’ Parents The complaint also alleged that Summers once pointed a gun into the accuser’s mouth as a threat.3Floodlit. Todd C. Summers
The suit named Summers, his parents, the family’s property company Birchdale Properties, and the LDS Church along with its Salt Lake City headquarters. The accuser argued that the parents should have known about and stopped the alleged abuse and that church officials should have been aware of Summers’ behavior.4Los Angeles Times. Defendants Seek Dismissal of Molestation Suit
Why No Criminal Charges Were Filed
Both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa police looked into the allegations, with Costa Mesa detectives ultimately handling the investigation. The Orange County District Attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges, citing a lack of evidence. Summers was never arrested.5Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors Decline to Charge in Abuse Case
Vince Finaldi, the plaintiff’s attorney, said the church’s handling of the initial complaint and Summers’ refusal to cooperate with investigators had hampered the police inquiry.5Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors Decline to Charge in Abuse Case
How the LDS Church Handled the Complaint
The accuser first took his allegations to LDS Church leaders in 2007. Weatherford Clayton, president of the Newport Beach stake, testified in a deposition that he met with Summers, believed his denials, and chose not to open a formal file on the matter.5Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors Decline to Charge in Abuse Case
The Deposition Finding
During pretrial proceedings, Orange County Superior Court Judge Ronald L. Bauer found that Summers had lied under oath about whether he had removed items from his home, despite video evidence showing him doing so. The judge said “the evidence is overwhelming on that point.” Bauer denied the plaintiff’s motion for sanctions, ruling that impeachment and cross-examination at trial were the proper remedy.6Bishop Accountability. Defendant Lies During Deposition
How Each Defendant Exited the Case
In early 2009, a judge dismissed the claims against the LDS Church, and the plaintiff’s attorney appealed.2Los Angeles Times. Accuser Settles With Summers’ Parents
In November 2009, Pamela and Roger Summers were dismissed after reaching a confidential settlement with the accuser, who also settled separately with the family business. Pamela Summers called the case “bogus.”3Floodlit. Todd C. Summers
In late March 2010, the LDS Church and its Salt Lake City headquarters settled with the plaintiff for $100,000. Church attorney Bob Crockett said “the church’s position is that there was no molestation ever” and described the payment as a business decision to avoid the cost of fighting the appeal.3Floodlit. Todd C. Summers
On April 15, 2010, the lawsuit against Todd Summers himself was dismissed with no settlement and no money changing hands. His attorneys called him “totally blameless” and “insolvent,” and said the plaintiff’s decision to drop the suit was a “conscious business decision” to avoid the costs of trial.1Los Angeles Times. Lawsuit Against Todd Summers Dismissed