Image source: 2201 Golf Club Rd, Pittsburg, CA 94565 — a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The location was identified in the lawsuit as a site of the alleged abuse by Bishop Baldwin. © Google, via Google Maps.
A federal civil lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California accuses a former bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) of sexually abusing a child for nearly a decade, from 1989 to 1997. The abuse, which allegedly began when the victim was just five years old, is said to have occurred while Bishop Baldwin occupied a position of authority at an LDS congregation in Pittsburg, California.
According to the complaint, Baldwin used his religious authority to isolate, manipulate, and abuse the child. The victim alleges that, during the abuse, Baldwin told her, “This is how you can become closer to your higher power” and “This is how you can have eternal life.”
Details of the Alleged Abuse
The lawsuit describes a pattern of abuse that allegedly took place during Sunday services, weekday church activities, in Baldwin’s office, and on a church-sponsored camping trip.
One particularly disturbing incident occurred at the camp, where Baldwin allegedly walked the child out of a communal sleeping area, past other adults, and into his bedroom, where he abused her. He reportedly told the child that no one would believe her if she disclosed what had happened.
The abuse is alleged to have continued until the victim was thirteen years old, when her family stopped attending church service and activities.
Ultimately, Baldwin is alleged to have exploited the victim’s vulnerability and innocence in order to instill fear, maintain control, and sexually abuse her.
LDS Church Accused of Negligence
According to the complaint, the LDS Church and its leadership were aware—or should have been aware—of what Baldwin was doing, and failed to protect the child. The complaint alleges that the Church historically handled sexual abuse allegations internally as a “matter of sin,” rather than reporting them to law enforcement. It asserts that no leaders reported Baldwin’s actions to police, despite signs that something was wrong.
The complaint asserts that their “actions embody a culture that protects sexual predators, rather than innocent and vulnerable children” and that they “acted to protect the heinous and unforgivable acts of Bishop Baldwin.”
The suit outlines claims of negligence by the LDS Church, as well as a violation of its legal duty to report suspected child abuse under California law.
As of this writing, there is no publicly available information indicating that Bishop Baldwin has been criminally charged or arrested. His full identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The civil case remains pending in federal court.
Civil Justice for California Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
In California, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have extended legal rights and may be able to pursue civil lawsuits against institutions that enabled abuse, even if the abuse happened decades ago.
Civil suits can provide a path to justice and healing, even when law enforcement has not filed criminal charges.
Andreozzi + Foote Is Investigating Additional Claims
Andreozzi + Foote represents another individual who has reported abuse by Bishop Baldwin and is actively investigating whether others were similarly harmed. Our firm has extensive experience litigating cases against religious organizations that failed to prevent sexual abuse.
We are committed to holding institutions accountable for their failures and to standing with survivors seeking justice.
Free and Confidential Legal Consultations
If you or someone you know was abused by Bishop Baldwin or another religious leader, you may have legal options. Our trauma-informed attorneys are here to listen and help you understand your rights.
📞 Call (866) 899-8753
📧 Email info@vca.law
💬 Fill out a form
