Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara face serious allegations involving a cover-up of child sexual abuse linked to a Christian summer camp associated with their church, as well as incidents occurring in their own home. These allegations have raised significant concerns within the community and among church members.

The legal action was initiated through a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court on January 16, targeting the 55-year-old former New York Yankees pitcher and his wife. They are accused of turning a blind eye to the sexual abuse of a young girl, who was part of the Refuge of Hope Church located in Westchester County, N.Y. This situation has sparked widespread media attention and social discourse.

Continue reading to uncover more details about this troubling case?According to the lawsuit acquired by People, the minor involved, born in 2007, is referred to as Jane Doe in the legal documents. The individual alleged to have committed the abuse, identified as an older female minor, is named ?MG.? The allegations have raised questions about safety and accountability in religious institutions.

The reported incidents of sexual abuse are said to have occurred during the summer of 2018 while the victim participated in an internship program at the Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, Florida. This center is affiliated with Rivera?s church, where Clara holds the position of head pastor, as noted on the church?s official website. The involvement of church leaders in such allegations poses a troubling image for the community.

The lawsuit claims that ?The Ignite Summer Internship required children to reside at Ignite Life Center for the duration of the program, without parental supervision.? This lack of oversight raises significant concerns about the safety protocols in place for minors during such programs, highlighting the need for strict safeguarding measures.

Furthermore, the complaint asserts that Rivera ?paid Jane Doe?s expenses? to facilitate her participation in the summer program. This raises additional questions regarding the motives behind the financial support and whether it was intended to enable or conceal the alleged abuse.

?Instead of taking appropriate measures to halt the sexual abuse of Jane Doe, the Riveras allegedly isolated and intimidated Jane Doe to maintain silence about her abuse by MG, in order to prevent issues for both Refuge of Hope and the Ignite Life Summer Internship,? the court documents state. These claims signify a breach of trust and duty from the church leaders towards their community and its vulnerable members.

Additionally, MG is accused of committing further abuse against Jane Doe at a barbecue event hosted at the Riveras? Brook View residence later that summer. It is reported that the Riveras have since relocated from that property, but the implications of the events that transpired there continue to resonate with the community.

The court documents also allege that Jane Doe was sexually abused by Ruben Tavarez Jr., the son of the Refuge of Hope’s associate pastor, Ruben Tavarez Sr., in August 2021. These ongoing allegations of abuse raise serious questions about the safety and environment provided by the church and its affiliated programs.

The complaint further asserts that the Riveras ?falsely promoted their activities and premises as being safe, moral, and otherwise free of a risk of harm when it knew or should have known otherwise.? Such statements, if proven true, could lead to severe reputational damage and legal repercussions for both the individuals involved and the church itself.

According to information on the church?s website, Mariano and Clara established Refuge of Hope at their residence in 2009. Over time, they expanded their operations, taking over the North Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Rochelle, N.Y. The foundation and growth of the church are now overshadowed by these serious allegations of misconduct.

The plaintiff in this lawsuit is pursuing a jury trial to seek justice for the alleged abuses. As of now, the Riveras have not publicly responded to these serious accusations, leaving many questions unanswered within the community and beyond.