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"We prosecute aggressively in Jefferson County. I don't want you guys in Houston to think we don't."

— Waylon Thompson, Jefferson County District Attorney's Office

"My eyes were always shut...There was a few times that he never knew I saw. But I saw dead into his eyes. I looked dead into them."

— Ashlyn Treadway, 18

Stuck to the window of the Jefferson County District Attorney's office in Beaumont is a poster with the admonishment "Never Hurt a Child. Never, Never, Never." It's been a core platform issue for Tom Maness, who's held the office for 20 years. For a while, the slogan graced billboards along I-10 in Beaumont. The words looked so good there, big and bold.

The D.A. got a pat on the back for his fierce dedication to child safety last February, when a U.S. Department of Justice press release announced the arrest of a 52-year-old man suspected of soliciting sex online from an investigator with the Texas Attorney General's Office posing as a 13-year-old girl.

"Protecting children is our top priority," Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott was quoted as saying. Abbott thanked the law enforcement officers integral to the cyber sting, including Maness.

The suspect pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement in federal court, a charge that could land him in prison for the rest of his life for trying to have sex with a girl who never existed.

Unlike that case, the abuse against Ashlyn Treadway was very real.

It started in Beaumont in 2000, a few weeks after her Aunt Beth returned from her honeymoon in the Caymans with Jeffrey Alan Klem, a cardiologist. Ashlyn was 11 and enamored of her aunt. And everyone was enamored of Klem, none more so than Ashlyn's grandfather, Lonnie Charles Treadway.

Treadway, whom everyone called "Buck," was the longtime pastor of New Life Tabernacle, a Pentecostal church at the epicenter of the lives of the Treadway clan. Klem made a great impression upon the church right away. He played cello in the orchestra, sang in the choir and sat in the front pew every Sunday. At New Life, church members were addressed as "brother" or "sister," but Pastor Treadway junked that for Klem. Klem was "my son-in-law, the cardiologist." In the mostly working-class congregation, the title had cachet, and Pastor Treadway intended on using it.

Shortly after the newlyweds returned, they helped celebrate Buck's birthday with a crawfish boil. That night, the Klems spent the night at Buck's home — the church parsonage. They invited Ashlyn to stay.

Ashlyn recalls Beth asking her if she wanted to sleep with her and Klem that night. Ashlyn was extremely close to Beth and spent many nights in bed with her, so she didn't think much of the invitation. Beth slept between Ashlyn and her 38-year-old husband.

At some point that night, Ashlyn recalls, she felt Klem's fingers on her. Her uncle had reached across his sleeping wife and pushed his niece's nightshirt toward her chin. His hands moved all over.

Is this really happening? Ashlyn thought. She trusted Beth, and Beth trusted Klem, so there couldn't have been anything wrong with it. While Klem's hand moved up and down her body, she flashed on that thing hanging on the bathroom doorknob in Beth and Klem's home. It was like a hotel "do not disturb" sign, only about making sure women tested themselves regularly for breast cancer.

That's probably what he's doing, Ashlyn told herself. It seemed to make sense. After all, this was Dr. Jeffrey Alan Klem. "My son-in-law, the cardiologist."

So when Ashlyn's little sister came to her a few years later and asked about Uncle Jeff's hands, that's what Ashlyn told her. Probably just checking for signs of breast cancer.

And when Ashlyn's younger stepsister asked about Uncle Jeff's hands, Ashlyn didn't know what to say. All of this, whatever it was, was liable to make someone mad. Like Beth. Like her grandfather. And no one would believe it anyway. Better not to say anything at all.

But in 2003, Ashlyn's stepsister Ashlee McEntire spoke up anyway, followed by Ashlyn's sister, Brea. Ashlyn and Brea's father, Les Treadway, and his second wife Lisa (Ashlee's mom), took the allegations to Buck and Patsy Treadway. It remained a family secret for two more years, until Randee McDaniel, another young girl from the church, came forward.

Although church members say Buck called his granddaughters and Randee liars and whores, Klem, in August, pleaded guilty to three counts of injury to a child in Jefferson County district court. In a carefully crafted plea bargain, Klem avoided having to register as a sex offender and was hit with ten years' probation and a $6,000 fine. He's facing two more charges in Harris County — one of which also involves Ashlyn.

All the girls' parents have also filed a civil suit against Klem and Buck Treadway, accusing the pastor of covering up his son-in-law's pedophilia. For this offense, Buck booted them all out of New Life Tabernacle. It has divided the church, but the United Pentecostal Church International has expressed no interest in investigating whether one of its ministers allowed a child molester to prowl around the church's children for seven years.

"Sometimes, doing justice means doing something that's difficult to do, like dismissing a case. Sometimes, dismissing a case is justice."

— Harris County prosecutor Suzanne Hanneman

"I think it was kind of an embarrassment to our town and our...judicial system, too. If you can molest three [girls]... and you can pay $2,000 a piece, well, that's not bad."

— Larry Wyche, former New Life ­Tabernacle member

It was supposed to be a package deal.

Although Klem was initially charged with indecency with a child, a ­second-degree felony which mandates sex offender status, prosecutors and defense lawyers worked out a deal whereby Klem would plead up to a first-degree felony (injury to a child) to avoid registering as a sex offender.

The charge carries a stiffer penalty, but sentencing was deferred for ten years. Waylon Thompson, the prosecutor who helped helm the deal, likes to point out that Klem has a "tremendous hammer" hanging over his head. One slipup, and he could face 99 years in prison.

But Klem also had charges pending in Harris County, where he allegedly touched Ashlyn and Randee McDaniel at an apartment he kept while at a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. During the plea process, Thompson and Klem's defense attorneys talked with Houston prosecutor Suzanne Hanneman to see if Klem could be offered the same deal here.

Thompson believed the victims and their families were satisfied with the plea, and Hanneman saw no reason why things should be any different in Houston.

"Honestly, that was kind of my thought before I met [the girls] — you know, maybe, heck, just let him do what he's doing in Beaumont and let him go..." Hanneman says.

Everyone was on board, except for the one person who mattered the most. When Hanneman approached District Judge Mary Lou Keel with the possibility of offering the same plea, Keel shot it down.

"Disingenuous, is what she said," Hanne­man says of Keel. "My judge said that the pleadings in Beaumont were disingenuous. Because...he's admitting the conduct without having the ramifications. And the biggest ramification, of course, being the registering aspect of it."

Hanneman says that she would be satisfied with a plea to indecency by exposure, whereby Klem would register as a sex offender for ten years. But without a clear shot at a plea, Hanneman gave Ashlyn and Randee the options: They could agree to dismiss the charges, or they could go to trial. The girls chose the latter.

Hanneman says she warned the girls and their parents that, in Harris County, juries can be overly impressed with defendants who are doctors.

"Honestly, I don't see a jury doing anything other than probation," she says.

Even the victims and their families look at Klem almost as a man blessed with otherworldly gifts. Lawyers representing Klem in both the criminal and civil cases laud his medical abilities. Robert Pelton, one of Klem's criminal defense attorneys, says he's received around 150 letters from patients who swore Klem saved their lives. When asked if that meant they were actually flatlining on an operating table and Klem manually massaged their hearts back to life, or if they simply did not die during or after an office visit, Pelton said he hadn't read the letters that closely.

Despite his reputation among the folks at New Life Tabernacle, Klem's profile with the Texas Medical Board does not indicate an especially distinguished career.

After graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1995, he spent a three-year residency at Yale School of Medicine, followed by a four-year fellowship at Baylor. Klem's profile lists no real awards, honors, publications or academic appointments. Instead, Klem has listed the fact that he made honor roll for six semesters. Other career highlights include listings in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and Strathmore's Who's Who, which lists the names of an elite society of people with addresses, a few hundred bucks for a Strathmore membership and, presumably, a pulse.

Even Jefferson County District Judge John Stevens, in his admonishment of Klem, seemed to state that it is really disheartening when extra-important people turn out to be pedophiles.

"You have been blessed with a lot of good things, and those who have been blessed with things also carry a higher responsibility of conducting themselves," Stevens said, according to the pleadings transcript. "Much more is expected from people like you who have been blessed."

Judge Stevens: "Are you pleading guilty in this case voluntarily?"

Klem: "Yes, sir."

Judge Stevens: "And because you are guilty?"

Klem: "Yes, sir."

— Plea hearing, Aug. 14, 2007

"Sometimes people plead to things because they are guilty, and sometimes people plead guilty to things because the risk of pleading not guilty is too great."

— Robert Pelton, Klem's criminal defense attorney

When Klem married Judy Elizabeth Treadway in 2000, he pretty much hit the jackpot.

The apple of Buck Treadway's eye, Beth was beautiful and vibrant. Unlike her sister Kathie, whom Buck had publicly rebuked years earlier for dating men not up to Buck's standards, Beth seemed to do no wrong. Buck ultimately welcomed Kathie and her daughter back into the family after she married a Pentecostal pastor, but it was Beth who married a doctor. (Beth, who is not named in the civil lawsuit, did not return several messages left for her by the Houston Press.)

This was important to Buck because, according to some former church members, Buck liked money. He drove a gold Cadillac paid for by mostly working-class church members who didn't want anyone to think their shepherd led a self-­centered flock. In addition to his Beaumont home, he owned a lake house and a bunch of rental properties. Church members contributed to the L.C. Treadway Retirement Fund. He put a premium on tithing, something that became even more apparent when he launched his annual "medical community outreach."

"It just seemed so blatantly obvious," former church member Marsha Hamilton says. "We didn't have these annual days to support teachers and service-workers or anybody else."

Buck's interest in the finer things ran counter to the tenets of Pentecostalism, which stresses modesty — especially among women. According to the United Pentecostal Church's interpretation of the Bible, women's attire should reflect "shamefacedness and sobriety." Pants are also frowned upon for women, because "often it takes a second glance to determine the sex of a woman today." Women must also subjugate themselves to men, who, it conveniently turns out, don't have such strict wardrobe requirements. "The New Testament does not provide instructions expressly for men's clothing," the UPCI Web site states. "Apparently, immodest dress was not as much of a problem for men in those days."

The UPCI traces its roots back to 1916, when a group of preachers split from the Assemblies of God, disagreeing with that church's vision of God as a trinity. The split resulted in the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. These merged in 1945 as the United Pentecostal Church International, which is today headquartered in a suburb of St. Louis.

While the UPCI has its own president ("superintendent") and board of directors, and while it has the power to issue and revoke ministerial licenses, congregations are autonomous, and any supervision is left to district offices. The UPCI, as an organization, serves mostly as a ministers' union, and holds annual conferences to vote on important issues. For example, at the September 2007 conference, ministers passed a resolution allowing Pentecostal services to be televised, a somewhat odd vote, given that the UPCI finds television "unsuitable for Christians or for their homes."

Of course, one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the UPCI is that it believes members show proof of receiving God's grace by speaking in tongues. "Speaking in tongues symbolizes God's complete control of the believer," the UPCI Web site states.

And, until August 2006, Buck Treadway had complete control over his congregation. A charismatic man and ­natural-born public speaker, Buck commanded authority. He could boast of an impressive lineage; his father was a prominent pastor in Louisiana, and his grandfather was the UPCI's first superintendent of the Louisiana district.

Buck came to New Life Tabernacle in 1969 with his wife Patsy, six-year-old son Leslie and baby girl Beth. Another son and daughter would follow. The congregation credits Buck's vision for creating the church's school, New Life Christian Academy.

But periodically, according to some former church members, Buck would call special meetings where he'd lash out at people he felt did not meet the church's standards.

"It does not pay in the long run to cross Treadway, simple as one two three," says one former church member, who asked not to be identified, saying she feared retribution from Buck and his supporters. "You make him mad, there will be repercussions. He's a very dominating man, he's a very strong-willed person and he does not take criticism very well at all. In fact, he just doesn't take it."

This criticism had already proved evident in his public lashing of daughter Kathie, but it soon spread to his other children, who came to him a few years ago with a real problem.

Of course, the stories of what actually happened next are wildly ­different.

"He used to make these little comments like, 'You're beautiful. I have beautiful little nieces.' And it'd just make my flesh crawl."

— Brea Treadway, 14

"I'm not going to say that they're telling their clients what to say; I don't believe that. But you can certainly create an environment where the plaintiffs...feel comfortable making it up as they go."

— Civil defense attorney Kip Lamb

No one disputes the fact that, in 2003, Buck's son Leslie and his second wife Lisa came to Buck with a grave concern.

Ashlee McEntire, Lisa's ten-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, had accused Klem of touching her during a sleepover at his house. Brea, Leslie's nine-year-old daughter from his first marriage, was at the same sleepover and was alleging the same thing. So this, according to Leslie and Lisa, was the first time Buck was made aware of a pedophile at his church.

Leslie and Lisa told Klem they wouldn't notify authorities if Klem promised to leave the girls alone. At this time, Leslie had no idea Klem had been molesting his daughter Ashlyn for the last four years.

But Kip Lamb, who's representing Buck, Klem and New Life Tabernacle, says it wasn't so sinister.

"New Life Tabernacle has not had any...child abuse complaints in decades," Lamb says. "However, several years ago...a very minor incident was mentioned to the pastor and recanted, and the parents of that child expressed doubts that it was even true."

Lamb says the girls quickly recanted and, as far as Buck knew, the whole mess was over. He adds that when Buck was served with the civil suit, which used pseudonyms for the girls and their parents, he had no idea who they could be. Moreover, Lamb says, Buck was never present at any of the incidents and therefore couldn't have been aware of Klem's actions. Lamb also carried forth with the medical motif: "The parents expressed doubt and the pastor understandably, you know, wasn't sure what they were even saying, inasmuch as Dr. Klem is a ­cardiologist."

When asked what Klem's job had to do with any allegations, Lamb betrayed a profound misunderstanding of the difference between "good touching" and "bad touching."

"You're going to someone saying, 'This doctor touched me on my chest,'" he said. "My doctor touches me on my chest, I don't think anything about it."

While it's not clear if Lamb's doctor ever touched him during a sleepover, Ashlee and Brea say they have a clear memory of what it meant to spend the night with Uncle Jeff.

After a fun day at the beach in Galveston, Ashlee, Brea and Ashlyn spent the night at Jeff and Beth's home. While Beth was reading a book in the bedroom, the girls were in another room, watching The Ring. That's when Klem strolled in, still in his scrubs, Ashlee recalls.

She asked, "'Uncle Jeff, I'm scared, will you lay beside me?' And when he came to lay beside me, he got under the covers. Well, I didn't think much of it because I was like, 'This is my uncle, it's not a big deal.'"

But then it did become a big deal. According to Ashlee, Klem then put his arm around her waist. It made her uncomfortable, so she hopped out of bed and went to the refrigerator for a handful of tiny ice cubes the girls liked to eat. After she collected herself, she returned to bed. Next, Klem moved his hand toward her chest.

Needing another break, Ashlee again hopped out of bed and threw on a bra. Back in bed, Klem moved his hand beneath the bra. This called for more ice cubes. Ashlee padded to the kitchen and back, and Klem continued his thing.

Ashlee needed some moral support. She asked Brea to come to the kitchen with her. That's when Ashlee explained what happened. She said she had to tell her parents and Aunt Beth.

Ashlee recalls her sister saying, "'No, don't do that. It won't work. That'll just make Beth really mad...so don't tell her.'"

That's when nine-year-old Brea offered to take the hit.

"She said, 'Well, I'll get back into bed with Jeff because he's put his hands down my pants before,'" Ashlee says. "She knew that I had never been messed with, nothing had ever been wrong with me. So she was just going to take it for me."

But Ashlee told her mother, causing an unfortunate chain reaction.

Lisa Treadway recalls: "When I told Les what had happened, Les believed me. But we both knew that it was going to be horrible...Jeff is Brother Treadway's pet. Jeff was a doctor. Everybody loves Jeff. It was hard to believe, but my daughter had never lied to me."

Ashlee told Ashlyn, who pretended not to believe her.

"Beth was all she had," Ashlee says of Ashlyn. "And she just adored Beth and didn't know what would happen, you know, if Beth knew she took my side."

She also told her stepcousin, another one of Buck's granddaughters via Kathie. The girl said the same thing happened to her. And then she didn't. She recanted, leaving Ashlee and Brea on their own.

It proved too much for the girls. The day after Leslie and Lisa met with Buck, they woke up crying, curled into fetal positions. The girls were afraid Paw-Paw and Sweetie — their names for Buck and Patsy — were mad at them. Lisa says she wasn't sure what to do, so she called Patsy, who came over immediately. Both Lisa and the girls are certain of what happened next.

They say Patsy suggested the girls had a crush on Klem. Maybe it'd be best if they called Uncle Jeff right now and apologized for lying, she said.

Ashlee says she told Klem, "I'm sorry that it happened, but I'm not sorry for telling my mom."

Brea says that, after she got on the phone to apologize, Klem had an apology of his own. "He said to me, 'I'm sorry about my bad hands,' and nobody heard him. So I knew he knew what he did. And that was pretty pathetic for him to say that."

So boom, it never happened. Ashlee started making herself vomit after meals, but it didn't last long. Lisa moved her back to Louisiana. It cost her a marriage, but she couldn't leave Ashlee around Buck, Patsy, Beth and Klem.

While Patsy chose to believe her granddaughters were lying, the girls would get to address Klem in open court after he admitted to touching them.

Brea recalls her statement: "I just remember telling him that he was a nasty man and I was sad for him, that he liked to watch little girls being tortured, and [to] watch them cry whenever their families turn against them, and that I forgave him even though I had to say 'sorry' to him four years ago."

"I just wish it'd be over. This is the reason why kids don't come out and say anything. This is it."

— Ashlyn Treadway

"It's just not a matter that we're dealing with."

— Danny Russo, Superintendent, ­Texas District, UPCI

The Tampa Marriott Waterside is a beautiful hotel resort boasting a marbled lobby with palm trees dwarfed by gigantic ­columns.

It sits upon a riverwalk, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center. In late September, it was flooded with UPCI ministers and their special guests, in town for the annual general conference. They got a cut rate — $119 a night. As usual, Buck Treadway's expenses were covered by his congregation.

Buck was unavailable for comment even before he split for Tampa. On the first call, he was attending to more important matters.

"He is swimming laps out in the pool," Patsy Treadway said. Patsy declined to comment, citing a nonexistent gag order.

The hesitancy comes not just from the civil suit, but from a notorious meeting at New Life Tabernacle in August 2006 that may have cost the church a third of its membership. When former members speak of that meeting, they sound like someone who endured an alien probe — shocked, hurt and, most of all, unsure of what the hell happened.

Although the nearly-five-hour meeting was recorded, the only known copy was subpoenaed by the grand jury in Klem's criminal case. Jefferson County prosecutor Waylon Thompson said the tape was not public record, and attorney Kip Lamb said that, while he's heard the tape, he doesn't have a copy himself. While Lamb conceded that Buck Treadway sounds a bit odd on the tape, his ramblings had nothing to do with the civil suit.

It's not clear who made the recording, as Buck told the congregation upfront that no tape recording or note taking would be tolerated. Then, according to some who attended, he ordered an usher to lock the doors.

Arnold Hamilton, Marsha Hamilton's husband, recalls, "For the next five hours, there was shouting, rebuking, slandering and all kinds of distractions in that ­meeting."

This included asking all those who supported him to rise, without actually explaining what they were supporting. After he got that tally, he asked those supporters with master's degrees or higher to stand up, ostensibly demonstrating that, if well-educated people supported him, anyone else would be a fool not to.

"He humiliated all of those who didn't stand to support him," Arnold Hamilton says.

According to former members, Buck also singled out kids who were present. He polled them, one by one, first asking if they'd ever lied, and then if they were virgins. For those who confessed, Buck hit them with a harsh "I rebuke you!"

According to Arnold Hamilton, Buck also rebuked his son, Leslie, saying he was incapable of marrying a decent woman.

When Buck finally said, almost in an offhand manner, that he was being sued, Arnold and Marsha Hamilton suddenly knew what this was all about.

Some time before the meeting, the Hamiltons received a call from fellow church member and friend Tina McDaniel. She called to say she would no longer be attending church and that her daughter Randee wanted to say goodbye. McDaniel explained that Randee said she had been touched by Jeff Klem. Tina said it happened in 2001, when the girl was 11. She hadn't told anyone until four years later, by which time mother and daughter knew about the other girls' allegations. Tina said she immediately notified the police and Children's Protective Services. That was to take care of Klem. Then she told them she was part of a civil suit to hold Buck Treadway responsible.

So when Buck said one of his kids was suing him, the Hamiltons suddenly believed that Buck was admonishing anyone who had prior knowledge of the suit. Indeed, Tina McDaniel and her husband — like others who refused to give Buck their support — received "letters of release" from New Life Tabernacle. They were no longer welcome.

Lamb says McDaniel was already looking to find a new church and Buck merely provided a polite letter giving her the opportunity to do so. He also says only a few people left the church, and the bulk of those who stayed are probably not even aware of the civil suit. And while Lamb says Buck had just returned from his fourth round of chemotherapy for cancer before that meeting and was not in the best physical or mental condition, no one appears to dispute that the meeting was bizarre.

But it's unclear whether any church members reported concerns over their pastor's mental health. And while Tina McDaniel says she and her daughter told a New Life official about the daughter's molestation, there is no documentation indicating that the district office or UPCI headquarters were ever notified.

While that may be, it would be hard for UPCI officials to plead ignorance once Klem was indicted in December 2006.

According to the UPCI's bylaws, all complaints against a pastor must first be investigated by the district before the headquarters can get involved. Complaints must be submitted in writing, signed by at least two accusers, and must state the nature, place and date of the offense. Insufficient complaints are kicked back to the complaining parties, who must submit another draft.

If this process is not followed — if, for example, there is only a verbal complaint — the district cannot open an investigation. Without evidence of a proper complaint, no UPCI officials can open an investigation. And if Texas District Superintendent Danny Russo says the district isn't interested in New Life Tabernacle, there is nothing that can be done at the national level.

General Superintendent Ken Haney politely explained this after he popped into his Tampa Marriott hotel room for a lunch break between board meetings.

"I'm vaguely familiar with that," Haney says of the rift at New Life. Unfortunately, the UPCI's bylaws prevent him from attaining knowledge beyond the level of "vaguely." His hands are tied.

"Was there a complaint properly filed?" he asks, later adding, "It is my opinion...that perhaps a complaint was not properly filed. If it is properly filed, of necessity, they have to make an investigation."

And what if a complaint is properly filed, but there's a conflict of interest between the district superintendent and the minister in question, and an investigation is never opened? Does the whole thing evaporate?

Haney assured the Press that it wouldn't.

"There's too many voices," he said. "In other words, there's too many other churches in that area with pastors that would lend themselves to complaining about it and something would have to be done."

Not satisfied with the bold proclamation that "something would have to be done," Haney added that "things will be addressed."

Then Haney had to go. He had to make another board meeting.

"I sat down these girls, and the consensus was, they wanted to get on with their lives. They wanted to plead this case and get on with their lives."

— Jefferson County prosecutor Waylon Thompson

"Two-thousand dollars per [count]? People get more for that on DWIs."

— Lisa Treadway, victim's mother

It's not clear who was for the plea bargain and who wasn't.

Thompson says he was ready for trial all along, but when the idea for the plea surfaced, he brought it to the families and they were all on board.

"If they had at any point said, 'No, we think we want to go ahead and roll the dice on this,' then we'd have done that," Thompson says. "That's what we do. We don't do anything designed to be charitable to a defendant by any means."

He says he thoroughly explained the conditions of the plea bargain and the risks of a trial. He would have to conduct three separate trials, one for each girl. And for some reason, instead of leading off with Ashlyn, who endured seven years of torment, Thompson planned to lead with Ashlee, who was touched on one ­occasion.

He wouldn't know until the trials started what information, if any, he could include about the other girls. There were no witnesses. Acquittal or probation were definite risks of trial.

Lisa Treadway says that, since she and her daughter were now in Louisiana, she left the decision up to the other girls, her ex-husband Leslie and his first wife, Rilea.

"They've had to eat, sleep and drink this thing right in their face in Beaumont," she says. "I had pulled myself away from it."

According to Leslie and Rilea, Thompson told them from the beginning that all three girls could be tried together. It wasn't until the last minute, they say, that Thompson sprung the plea bargain on them and steered them in that direction.

Ashlee and Brea appear to have been satisfied with the plea bargain, although Ashlee isn't exactly sure what the plea bargain was. ("I don't really understand what he got," she says).

Randee had no say, because her case was in Harris County. But Thompson allowed Tina and Randee to be there through the whole process — they were all like family.

Randee says she would have been okay with a similar plea bargain in Houston.

"This is my senior year," she says. "I don't want to have to be pulled out of school for this stuff. I want my life back."

She's doing much better now. She's not cutting herself anymore. She's not around Klem anymore. And because her mom was constantly talking about the case and upsetting Randee, she's not living with her mom anymore. She's over at her father's, in a more mellow environment.

The ultimate call for the plea bargain seemed to lie with Ashlyn, who bit her tongue and left it up to her sister and stepsister. They were younger, and they hadn't endured what she'd had to. If they wanted to drop everything and move on, Ashlyn would respect that. She already felt bad enough for not defending her sisters in the first place.

"I didn't know what to do," she says. "I was so scared, and I wanted to stick up for [them] then. And I'm feeling a lot of guilt because I didn't."

Like Randee, Ashlyn had turned to self-mutilation. For the last two years of Klem's touching, she'd cut herself with a bobby pin or a nail. She has no clue why she did it. But through tears, she takes a guess.

"It's like it wasn't me," she says. "It wasn't me, it was all the anger held up in me, because I didn't say anything and I needed to, I know I needed to do. And I ignored it because I wanted to make them [Beth, Buck and Patsy] happy...I loved them and I didn't want to hurt them. And I wanted to be mad at myself because I was close to Beth and I let it happen. I trusted her and...she was there almost every time and she could've seen it."

In the end, she lost Beth anyway. And Paw-Paw. And Sweetie.

She lost her church family, too. People who she considered friends, but chose to believe she and her sisters were liars and whores.

"It's just like hit after hit after hit. You're just like, 'You know what? I'd just rather lay here and let it all hit me. Just lay here. I don't feel like fighting it.'"

So right now, Ashlyn's lying there. College is on hold. She had wanted to be a dental hygienist. But college is the furthest thing from her mind because, as she says, "I'm so screwed up in the head right now."

If Ashlyn didn't bite her tongue during the plea bargain discussions, if any lawyers had asked her how she felt, she could have told them. The words would have been choppy, garbled by tears, dripping with anger, like she was slashing herself with that nail deeper than ever before.

"This is a freakin' joke. It's taken as a freakin' joke now because, you know, our system's not doing anything. The doctor's, you know, getting to work and he's happy and he's smiling....Yeah, if that's how it is, this sucks. It sucks, and I don't have any respect for it. [Klem] should be put up somewhere. He's not a good person. He needs somebody to do that to him. He needs to live with the guilt and he needs to go somewhere where he can be, you know, hurt for seven years. He needs to be molested for seven years. By somebody bigger than him. And then he'll know."

craig.malisow@houstonpress.com

Write Your Comment show comments (542)

  1. I'm not surprised at this story at all. He's a doctor - no one will prosecute him on the word of children, even those now almost grown. Too much influence, too much money. I could say more about the church, but there's no point. This is what I would expect at any church, of any religion. If one person is delusional, it's called insanity, if a group of people are delusional, it's called religion.

    Comment by Don Dickerson — October 17, 2007 @ 01:50PM

  2. I am not certain how quickly the State Medical Board updates its records but, so far, nothing has been reported.

    http://reg.tmb.state.tx.us/OnLineVerif/Phys_ReportVerif.asp?ID_NUM=461733&Type=LP


    Blair Brininger
    blair@disability.md

    Comment by Blair Brininger — October 18, 2007 @ 07:58AM

  3. This article should have been printed in the Beaumont Enterprise. Thanks for writing their story, for being brave enough to write it all out. The community needs to know the truth. It doesn't matter what your staion is in life, your title, your wealth. Just because you have a degree doesn't give a person a license to commit horrible acts and just think you can pay your out. My heart breaks for these girls and what they have endured. My prayer for them is that they can one day move on with their lives and not let this ordeal define them.
    Anne

    Comment by Anne — October 18, 2007 @ 09:29AM

  4. It seems like the Dr's wife is an enabler on this. She was probably fondled by her father. The picture of the girls is one of emotional immaturity, which is common in these kinds of families. But what blows my mind is the whole thing started with the wife inviting an adolescent girl to sleep with her and her husband. These people are a text book example of "lack of boundaries". They are so shamed by their religion they don't know which way is up. They have to rely on authority figures to tell them what to do. Pastor Buck should be prosecuted for not reporting the allegations. He is legally required to do so.

    Comment by Robin Frazier — October 18, 2007 @ 12:35PM

  5. The Beaumont Enterprise is not about to print this story. Jeffrey Klem is buying advertisement space from them for his new cardiology practice accepting new patients. The group he was in must have kicked his sorry butt out.
    The Texas Medial Board is aware of this. They have the wheels in motion to revoke his license to practice, but they said it could take months. That was their comment when the story of Klem's plea bargain and sentencing was printed in the Beaumont Enterprise.
    The pastor/grandfather, daughter/wife of the doctor/pedophile are all guilty, morally and/or legally. They should be ashamed of themselves. They are all child abusers. I think the wife of Dr. Klem probably is a victim of childhood molestation too, but that is no excuse. I don't care how many patients Klem has that thinks he is the greatest. They can have him. I would never let Jeffrey Klem treat me. I wouldn't care if he was the only cardiologist in town. That child abusing, perveted molester will never touch me or any of my family members. A family member of mine was recently treated at a Beaumont hospital and a cardiologist was needed. I wrote it down and left it for the physician. "Do NOT allow Jeffrey Klem to treat this patient. Any other cardiologist will do, but NOT KLEM."
    Personally, I don't know how Kip Lamb can defend such despicable people. He has a daughter himself.
    The church members are also pathetic. I bet they would never allow anyone else to degrade them in such a humiliating manner. And to think they are financially supporting this heathen pastor. Klem will be shoveling coal in a furnace one day, along with Paw Paw and Sweetie.

    Comment by Amber — October 18, 2007 @ 03:00PM

  6. How horrible that so many young girls were harmed by this man. May God help each of them and their families.

    Unfortunately, the United Pentecostal Church International likes to say they are "only" a ministerial organization yet their own constitution clearly states that members of affiliated churches are also considered members of the UPCI. Their official web site even states they are a denomination on their main page: "The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) has been among the fastest growing denominations in North America since it was formed..." So which is it? A ministerial organization or a denomination or perhaps both?

    It has long been a problem in the UPCI with them stating that churches are autonomous. Sometimes they are and sometimes they are not, depending on the situation. Meanwhile, numerous cover-ups have been reported by current and former members of sexually related incidents as well as other problems through the years. The organization issues licenses to these ministers and they have the authority to pull that license. You would think they would want to take action because, like it or not when situations like these arise, it DOES reflect negatively on the organization. And now that their ministers have been permitted to advertise on television as it was voted in at the 2007 General Conference, they will most likely receive more scrutiny when things like this happen as additional people become aware of the group.

    There are some web sites with information on this religious group for those interested. http://www.christianchallenge.org/ has some information as well as a group for those who have left or are questioning. http://www.spiritualabuse.org/ has much information specific to this group, including information on some cases that have hit the media or gone to court. http://www.whyileft.org/ and http://www.actseighteen.com/ also provide insight.

    Comment by Elizabeth — October 19, 2007 @ 03:01PM

  7. How sad that a man, as talented as Klem is supposed to be, would allow himself to do such a thing to innocent children. I have known Ashlee for ten years...and know her to be COMPLETELY honest so I have never doubted anything she said. I DO doubt the sanity of Buck, his wife, and Beth for standing with Klem though...especially when he admitted the wrong. I'm frustrated that they held their peace and didn't end this years ago when it first came to their attention. There are many that will be affected by this...and as a Pentecostal myself I find the UPCI's hesitancy disturbing. Something HAS to be done...and not years from now. God bless these children!!!!

    Comment by Danny — October 20, 2007 @ 06:16PM

  8. I think this is a sad sad situation. The media in Beaumont and Houston has ruined Dr. Klem, therefore, he never stood a chance at a fair trail. Why would children want to continue to go to someone's house if they "molested" them? Is it because they were spoiled with expensive clothes, treated to fancy dinners, brought to get pedicures? This makes no sense to me. Also, if the parents knew of this for three years, why were the children allowed to go back there? Maybe Uncle Jeff and Aunt Beth were babysitters and were always reliable. Has anyone ever thought of that? This is an outrage. I am appaled at the stupidity of the people in this area. The truth will eventually come out, and justice will be served. God will be the ultimate punisher.

    Comment by Carlee — October 22, 2007 @ 12:47PM

  9. As someone who has often relied on the media for my information, I am here to say that is no longer the case because I have never in my life seen a more biased reporting of "facts" without having equal representation from both sides. Anyone with the smallest amount of intelligence should realize that the press sensationalizes stories like these - especially when a church and religion are involved. I know it makes a good story to think that the people of New Life are brainwashed and part of a grand coverup...makes for a great Lifetime movie but these are people's lives we are talking about. Character speaks very highly and just because someone's side has not been presented on the news does not mean there isn't one. Mr. Malisow, I suggest you take a job working for the National Enquirer since you choose to get your facts in a manner that is indicative of such a publication.

    Comment by Kari — October 22, 2007 @ 08:17PM

  10. I don't know why any of this would surprise anybody unless they were blinded by the fact that people held in high esteem within the upci (United Pentecostal Church International) are just men and women. They might hold some "title" like "pastor" or "youth leader" or might sit on the front pew and sing in the choir and of course they might claim separation from the world and being "filled with the Holy Ghost". Anyone who has ever done any kind of research into this organization that several groups consider to be a "cult" knows that scandal has paid its cruel visit to some of the largest churches and highest offices.

    I was the pastor's son-in-law of a very large upci church in Dallas, TX for 13 years and although I had divorced and moved away from my old church I was shocked to see on local Texas television stations and to read in several Texas newspapers that the pastor's son (who since my exit had now himself become pastor) had also been charged with child molestation with several of the young girls in the church. The Sr. Pastor apparently tried to keep a hush on the allegations. Later when I was asked to testify at the criminal trial I was told that the new pastor had finally confessed to the molestations.

    Just because people claim to be "extra holy" or "holiness" doesn't make them so. I was in a family for 13 years that was so "extra holy" that they conducted their own holiness conferences and refused to fellowship with other upci churches in the Dallas area because the others were "too worldly".

    When I left that church I was told by the Sr. Pastor that I "would never see or hear from my two sons again". It was nearly 20 years later and I received my very first message from my eldest son who is now 25 and has also left that church. I still haven't heard from my youngest son who still attends there.

    I have heard only recently that there is yet to be another court hearing/trial that is set for January of 2008.

    Comment by Michael Beasley — October 22, 2007 @ 08:33PM

  11. I am very saddened by our judicial system. I am also very sad with the media. It has not been long ago that Fox News did a segment on how men are afraid of girls! This probably a prime example of why men fear young women. If a person has any education at all - - then they are aware that some people take a plea bargain b/c they are guilty. Then others take plea bargains because the risk is to high. It is kinda of like going to a doctor and the doctor suggesting chemo therapy and if chemotherapy is not done that person could die. You do what the doctor advises. Dr. Klem in my opinion - did just that! He took the advice of his lawyers I am sure! I dont beleive for one minute that Dr. Klem is a guilty man. I don't think that the parents of the accusers and their lifestyles have been investigated. I think it is sad that Randee had to move in with her dad to get a little peace because her mom refuses to let her get her life back. (if the report in this gossip paper is true.) Another thing I question is I am a parent myself. . . why would the parents of these young girls want to expose their children's life like they are doing. My heart really goes out to Randee b/c she does not feel the refuge that she needs to feel at her mothers house. That leads me to beleive that the people that are allowing these articles (or books) to be be written have a motive. In my opinion, the motive was revealed in this article. I think these people that are trying to destroy a church is just wanting money. I would be interested in knowing what the accusers financial status of all accusers of the plantiffs in this case. I would also be interested in knowing if these accusers have filed any other civil lawsuits in hope of receiving money. I hope that this community and the Beaumont community will be educated enough to know that there are some harsh people out there. Could it be that the accusers and thier parents are the wrong doers? According to the research I did in the Beaumont news, a civil case against Pastor Buck and his church was filed before a criminal suit against Dr. Klem. I wonder and ponder the thought of Dr. Klem being a part of a disfunctional family. The article clearly states that Tina and her family is like family. I really think that this whole case should be just a family issue. I feel sorry for Pastor Buck and his family. I can only imagine the pain that the media has caused his family and church. Pastor Buck, Dr. Klem, Dr. Klem's wife. . . you are very much in my thoughts and prayers. We will stand with you for truth to prevail. It is ironic we only hear from the alleged victims but we don't hear from you. Maybe it is becuase you are being Christlike. I am sorry that your church, family, and son in law are victims of a judicial system that does not work. Please do all of our communities a favor - - please keep standing and preaching. Sincerely written.

    UNKNOWN

    Comment by unknown — October 24, 2007 @ 05:21AM

  12. I first want to address a couple of comments made before mine.

    I think it was kind of an embarrassment to our town and our...judicial system, too. If you can molest three [girls]... and you can pay $2,000 a piece, well, that's not bad."

    — Larry Wyche, former New Life ­Tabernacle member >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    It is an embarrassment to the parents, not us, our town or the judicial system.
    ___________________________________________________

    I am not sure what Robin Frazier means when it was stated “which is common in these kinds of families” “They are so shamed by their religion they don't know which way is up. They have to rely on authority figures to tell them what to do” What kind of families are you speaking of?
    I hope you’re not claiming to be a Christian before, during or after you made this comments. After reading all these comments I have this to say/ask . My comments are coming from strictly what I have heard and read, which may be true and maybe not . You can NOT believe everything that you read or hear. I have read several statements attacking the church "New Life Tabernacle" This is crazy. A CHURCH is a place where people come together to worship GOD and learn of his teachings. Church can be held in a barn. If something happens between the people that attend service in that barn, are you telling me the "Barn" is at fault because that’s where they chose to worship? As far as the parties concerned I have this to ask. Didn’t Tina McDaniel make these same allegations towards Shawn, her own husband just about 1 ½ years ago? How could you NOT know your child is cutting themselves? Its our duty as parents to know our children and know when something is going on with them. My daughter and I watched Tina & Shawn on the news talking about how they were asked to leave the church. Then why did they write a letter stating they were going to leave before all of this came out? If I am not mistaken haven’t the McDaniel’s filed for bankruptcy. It seems like there is more going on than what is being said on the McDaniel’s part.
    I agree with “unknown” just because a man takes a plea does not mean he is guilty, there are times where you really don’t have a choice because of risk. Also, I think that the “church” and the members would not be allowed to say anything until this is all over with. Maybe they don’t have a choice. BUT here is a FACT for you CHILD ABUSE is a horrible thing and it causes more pain and suffering than someone who has not been faced with it could ever understand. This is why it infuriates me when people (no matter what there race or religion) use it as a stepping stone for monetary gain. (Michael Jackson’s accusers ). I never ONCE thought of suing the man that molested my child. Is that supposed to make up for the trauma they have caused? Is there a price you can put on that? I would give my life for my child in fact if I could take her place I would have. The McDaniel’s need to concern themselves with getting help for there girl if this truly happened. NOT passing photos to the media of the girls in lingerie. They wouldn’t be trying to sway to story would they? I also know for a FACT that I wouldn’t do it. If the kids are so traumatized by being molested why would the parents give pictures like this to be posted in the paper? Here is another question, If these people are awarded this rather large amount of money, will the parents have access to it or will it be sole for the abused children? I truly hope that this is not a story that was made up because of money or whatever because the time and effort could be spent on someone that has been truly hurt. This is a sad situation no matter what side of the fence your on, your race,or church prefrence & I think anyone with a heart will agree. The FACTS will come out one day and everyone envolved will have to answer to GOD.

    Comment by Shawn — October 24, 2007 @ 08:35AM

  13. Before maligning the reporter, please understand that this is not the first time this pastor has swept this type of situation under the proverbial rug. There have been past incidences of (male)teen chaperones of the youth group fondling the younger children they are supervising on various church sponsored field trips. When reported to the pastor, the "procedure" was to call in the parent of the teenage perpetrator and make the accusers appear to be fabricating the allegations. When the allegations persist, the next step is to call a church meeting - in this case - a meeting of the men and boys (excluding the moms). The accused is put on "stage" and asked if he has repented - and the group is asked if the accused will be accepted back into the "flock". It is only when the parent steps out on a limb and reports the incident to the police that anything finally gets done. The children are treated as trouble makers and liars. Fondling is easily looked upon as a fabrication since it can't be medically verified (as could a rape). However, the emotional scars run just as deep. My heart goes out to the girls. Yes, it continued for years. It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to come forward and risk ridicule, risk disbelief and risk ostracism by your family and your church family. How is it that none of these victims of past abuse were interviewed by the prosecution as it built the civil case against the pastor and the church? Other members of the congregation knew of these occurrences. I am disappointed in the lack of thorough trial preparation by the state.

    Name withheld by request

    (DO NOT USE MY NAME OR ADDRESS - MY IDENTITY WOULD BE EASILY RECOGNIZED)

    Comment by (DO NOT USE MY REAL NAME) — October 24, 2007 @ 12:52PM

  14. What a well-written article! Bias or no, despicable acts do not deserve to be tippy-toed around. Someone was calling for the FACTS in a comment above...the FACT is that Klem plead GUILTY.
    If someone was to truly trust God that all would be settled in the end, then there would be no reason to give up in the middle of a trial, would there? Hmmm...sounds like someone has a heavy conscience.
    I moved to Beaumont years ago, and when faced with the decision of whether to move or not to, the deciding factor was New Life Tabernacle. Ironically enough, the same church was also the main reason that I took the first opportunity to leave Beaumont.
    I can verify that crossing Buck Treadway is social suicide for Southeast Texas Pentecostals. Within days of the horrifying meeting, many of my friends and relatives were served "release letters" and no less than three dozen calls to each phone, many of them an automated warning to stay away. The letters not only "allowed" them to leave, but actually banned them from the church property, despite having contributed vast amounts to its purchase and construction. Also, you can see by the comments here that many people don't wish to divulge their identity; I have seen e-mails and MySpace bulletins from a New Life Tabernacle member that threatened physical violence and possible death to anyone who spoke out against Buck Treadway.
    This article is a nice contrast to the monotone and thin reporting that has been posted by Golden Triangle news sites. Well done.

    Comment by yowzers — October 25, 2007 @ 09:26PM

  15. I am sorry but, you would have to live under a rock not to know that in some cases people plead guilty and take a plea that are not guilty just like some people plead no guilty that are. Its that simple. I am not saying that he is NOT guilty or that is IS guilty. I just don't think it is fair the way they are holding the church as a "whole" liable. One would not "join" a church or become a member over night. Being a MEMBER of New Life, I would think they would know and understand the process and procedures. One of which is to call a church meeting - in this case - a meeting of the men and boys (excluding the moms). The accused is put on "stage" and asked if he has repented - and the group is asked if the accused will be accepted back into the "flock". They KNEW this as a member so why turn around and act outraged? Maybe because the MONEY issue came up. It has not been stated in any of these comments but it is a VERY LARGE sum.
    There have been comments made that compaired penecostals to a "cult". People are afraid of what they do not understand then they lash out by making ignorant comments.

    Comment by Shawn — October 26, 2007 @ 06:45AM

  16. As I was told, Jeff was going to hire the best "ATTORNEYS" money could buy! Therefore, if you were there when Jeff pled guilty, it was quite clear as Judge Stevens made it that day, Jeff was pleading GUILTY because "HE WAS GUILTY"! Don't think his attorneys could change that. A man is Innocent until proven guilty...and in this case Jeff proved his "OWN GUILT"! I guess, Jeff could have pled from the start, saved EVERYBODY the trouble. Then again, HE could have "NEVER EVER DONE IT"!

    Comment by Tina — October 26, 2007 @ 08:17AM

  17. I agree if the man is guilty he should burn in hell. But as far as the statement you made "tina" about hiring the best attorney money can buy- if you have it why wouldn't you. It IS a sad situation, having been in it myself. As a "mother" I know the guilt she feeling. But like I said before I DONT understand the money, a large sum of money. Was this man accused before? If so, why would you have this SAME person watch your kids? If you accuse 1 or 2 men a year(including your husband)then I guess eventually she/he will find someone that will take the fall. And if she/he lucks out that man will have a big wallet that you can empty to help themselves out of there own financial downfall. Millions of dollars can not take away the guilt, it would be nice if it could.

    Comment by shawn — October 26, 2007 @ 08:53AM

  18. Its an ongoing case in Harris County. The "ACCUSED" is Jeffrey A. Klem 232nd District Court and you are welcome to come. I am sure its open to the public. November the 7th is the court date, if it don't get reset. I have one child and as the houston press states her case is here in Harris County and she wants to go to trial. SHE NEVER ACCUSED ANYONE ELSE EVER BEFORE!!! Don't know where you got your info from, but its wrong, twisted, and incorrect!!! Sorry to disappoint you. Guess you just have your mind set and thats just the way some people are! See you there.

    Comment by Tina — October 26, 2007 @ 09:40AM

  19. Wow! I am glad to see that Tina is finally speaking out! Maybe you can tell all of us why you post a picture of the children on the internet in night gowns. Maybe you can tell us why we googled your name and found that your address is the same as Dr. Klems? Maybe you can explain to all of us why you child had to find refuge at her dad's house? Maybe you can tell us why you are trying to destroy and innocent church? Maybe you can tell us why you are trying to destroy a man of God. A good man of God that has helped you through many of your troubles in life. I am interested in the prior comments written. . . about you accusing you husband of the same accusations that you have forced your child to accuse Dr. Klem of. I also happen to know you not only have accused Dr. Klem but you have now accused Dr. Klem, your husband, and your father in law. Please do tell why you have filed lawsuit with the Beaumont Independent School District. your child has not choice but to go to trial. I don't think the judge is giving her a choice from what I gather. Your motives will be revealed. It has nothing to do with the justice of your daughter. It has to do with the large sum of money you think you are going to get. I have one word of advice for "Tina's Husband" and his father. . . run from this lady - you will be next. Also I would like to address Dr. Klem, his wife, and Pastor Buck. I am not a church goer. . . probably should - - but I know of someone in the same situation. The true educated people know that the risk was high and you took the advice of your lawyers. From what I understand through all the articles that have been posted - - tina, and others have filed a rather large civil suit. . . stand true - - the motives of these vindictive people will come out. Dr. Klem. . .your innocense will prevail. The public understands that they have to destroy to get that large sum of money. You all are in my thoughts and prayer. Randee - - you are also in our prayers. Please find you a good place of peace.

    nikki

    Comment by Nikki — October 26, 2007 @ 05:56PM

  20. I have been to New Life Tabernacle many times. I am not a member there. But I love Pastor Treadway (which is how he should be addressed with respect) and his church. I now live in a different city and cannot attend that church now. I have to settle for a local church here in Houston, Texas. I only know of the this story through all the coverage in the media. Obviously - - Tina, Les, Lisa, and the alleged victims did not want to take this case to trial. Rather Dr. Klem is guilty or not - - all of you had to give the DA permission to settle for the plea bargain. So you must not have had enough faith in your own case. I would like to commend Shawn on all of his/her comments. You make some real points. They are all valid points. The point I think that interest me the most in this case and I think the point that points to Dr. Klem falling victim to the accusations - is in the articles that have been printed in this articles and the beaumont articles - is that this accusation against Tina's daughter supposedly took place in 2001. At that time according to bio given on Dr. Klem - he was a resident. He was not even making real money at the time. Why did Tina wait six years to file suit. Ironically, Dr. Klem is no longer a resident - - he is a M.D. I have the tendency to have the same thoughts as Nikki the previous writter. I think the alleged victims parents saw the opportunity of a "big church" and a cardiologist. I also googled Dr. Klem's background. He is forty plus years old and has a spotless criminal record. If this Dr. had a problem like this people are accusing him of. . . he would have a history of it. There is no history. I don't want to throw mud at anyone, but this case is needless and senseless. I feel bad for Pastor Treadway, his family, and his church. I have alot of questions that I would like to ask. . . but like the previous writer. . . it will come out in the civil lawsuit. God's justice is the ultimate justice! Truth will prevail. I also would like to say on Dr. Klem's defense. . . they are a lot of people in the world that have diseases such as Hep C and Aids that never did drugs or had sex with someone that was invested with the disease. They just was in a bad situation. Maybe they needed a blood transfusion and the blood that was given was infected with aids. I am sure you get the point. There are so many explanations of why Dr. Klem did what he had to do. I am sure if Tina or her husband, Les and his ex wives, or anyone was sitting in the same place. . . they would take the advice of their lawyers - just like you. They must have thought they could not win b/c they signed off on the plea bargain too! So, everyone just needs to know that truth will step forward one day.

    Comment by Ricky — October 26, 2007 @ 06:44PM

  21. Having experienced sexual abuse as a child, I have followed this story for some time and some things that has been said just does not make alot of sense. I do not understand suing innocent people and the church. This, as stated by the "accusers" happened on private property, not church property. Also, why blame the Pastor when it is evident that the parents had the same knowledge of this supposed incident years ago. Are they suing the Pastor out of self-guilt? What could possible stop the Parents from going to the police years ago? It was stated in an interview about eating Christmas dinner with Jeff Klem and "I can't tell you how that gets me" (as if they didn't know what was happening)but by these people's own admission they knew about this and had eaten Christmas dinner with them many time after that. Also, why would someone allow their child to keep going over to the "accused" house? How could any responsible parent DO THAT??? Why would the child WANT to keep going to the "accused" house? Why keep having him scratch your back and watch movies with him, and lay down with him? My problem is, the parents had just as much knowledge as the Pastor of the "accused incident" and did nothing for years! Why?! With that in mind, why sue the Church? This was not claimed to have happened on Church property, so why blame the church? By the accusers own admission they had prior knowledge of this incident also. Why would someone claim to not know if this was right or wrong, when they have been raised up knowing what the Bible says about such things. I'm not saying that none of this is true, it might be, but it might also be false. There are too many unanswered questions. I was abused at a young age also and have never thought of suing innocent people. I have however let God take care of the abusers. One of the abusers was killed in an accident. One of the abusers is in jail for the rest of his life and another abuser lives in poverty. Although, the last abuser is just learning about God and is going to a church in the same town. Maybe he will give his life to God. It has taken many, many years but God has taken care of those people. God said,"Vengeance is His and He will repay" and I have seen this happen. I know, without a doubt, that God will make sure that I am Victorious. I have so many doubts about this "incident" such as, Why sue the Church, Why sue the Pastor, Why not sue the Parents also, Why lay in bed with some that you accuse of this, Why keep going to the accusers house, Why be so jealous over the accusers job, Why worry about what kind of car the Pastor drives(what does that have to do with anything?) Why let that family buy you gifts??? Why try to tear down God's Church, Why agree to a plea bargain and later claim you want the accused to go to jail? I understand that Jeff Klem pleaded guilty, but it has been stated that he pleaded as a result of a plea bargain agreed to by the family. It would seem hard for him to get a fair trial here as so many people already felt like he was guilty without looking at or knowing both sides of the story before making up their mind. So many things about this case just does not make much sense. There are too many unanswered questions. It would seem that this is motivated more by money and jealousy than by actual guilt. Otherwise, it would not involve so many innocent people. Well Time will Tell!!!

    Comment by Grace & Mercy — October 27, 2007 @ 09:04AM

  22. It's pretty funny how many times "the truth will come out" has shown up over the last YEAR... Funnier still how the people that say that are supposed Christians. Folks, you know very well that God will never put a Christian through something they can't handle. Pleading guilty is the easy way out, and tells me that the defendant and his confidant - "Pastor" Treadway - don't trust God in the courts the way that they profess to in the pulpit and in these comments sections.

    The truth is HERE, people! God's will is not limited to Judgement Day. If these girls were lying and the defendants were innocent, then God would have stop this lawsuit before it ever happened.
    Ever wonder why this church has had two splits in ten years, has to sue their own insurance company for a new building, and now has to fight a lawsuit like this? The devil? No, he doesn't have that much power.
    Some people actually believe that this church will change the world. It makes me sick to think of how many of Buck Treadway's sermons were about "people problems", when all along he was just setting up "humanity" as a scapegoat to cover up his family's internal problems.

    Why does the issue of money always come up? As an ex-member of New Life Tabernacle that was not excommunicated, I can attest that MONEY is what caused these problems - Buck's love of money. I have given so many "love offerings" and watched it get squandered that it's disgusting. A Cadillac sedan, a minivan, an SUV, and a new pickup truck, all for TWO PEOPLE (the "pastor" and his wife)...is that a blessing to the "shepherd", or just plain greediness?
    I hope that the girls win a HUGE cash settlement that will put them through college. It's not fair that this freak drives a push-button-start V12 Mercedes, while the girls wonder why their family, friends, and church are being torn apart around them.

    Nikki, I'm not surprised that you're defending New Life Tabernacle; if your dad's church wasn't being supported by Buck Treadway, then he wouldn't be pulling in tithes of his own. Let's review that money issue again, shall we...?

    Buck's own SON and DAUGHTER have filed against him and his son-in-law. Does it not seem odd to anyone that his eldest two children are involved in this? It's not some conspiracy against a half-crippled, dying man - it's justice, and it is being served.

    Comment by yowzers — October 27, 2007 @ 09:06AM

  23. Also, note that in the article, Marsha and Arnold Hamilton have commented unfavorably toward Buck Treadway's methods...the Hamiltons sat front row, center, and supported EVERYTHING the "pastor" did. Also, their daughter is married to the son of New Life Christian Academy's principal.
    Imagine the grief that they must be going through with their daughter and son-in-law (who is a total momma's boy). Does anyone think that the Hamiltons are out for money?

    Marsha was in charge of assigning members of the "ministry" to visiting and following up on visitors and friends of the church. Many of the lower-social-class visitors were ignored completely, or Rev. Nishi - the youngest, newest, and most boring member of the staff - would be assigned to them. Buck Treadway and Assistant Pastor Johnson only visited the wealthy visitors and friends. In fact, there are several people who have the databases saved for the purpose of presenting them to the UPCI, and I have seen them myself.

    Comment by yowzers — October 27, 2007 @ 09:25AM

  24. To the writer of comment 23. There must be more Nikki's in this world. My father has passed and has never pastored a church. Again - - wrong facts and garbaged spread! Another fact that is wrong is that Pastor Treadways daughter has not sued anyone. I think it just his money hungry son and his two ex-wifes and Tina (which must be money hungry to) The fact is. . . it is not wrong or people to drive nice cars if they can afford it. I also know that the Hamilton's daughter had a life changing surgery. Pastor Treadways church raised money and gave it to the family to help support that surgery. Yeah. . . lets talk money again! It has also been brought up in the comments that Tina McDaniels address comes up the same as Dr. Klem. I wonder if Dr. Klem and his wife helped them purchase a house or -are they living with them. I have a child that use to hang out with girls that are accusing. I so happen know that they had left New Life Tabernacle long before this lawsuit was filed. How were these girls forced to leave when they had alreay left b/c their father refused to supply them with a house! It is also clearly stated that Tina was already looking for a new church - so she left on her on free will. How were they disfellowshiped! Les Treadways girls were forced to find a place to live b/c their father Les Treadway sold their house out from under them. I am glad that I had to move out from the area b/c it grieves my heart to see Les Treadway and his co-consipirators(ex-wives and tina) trying to destroy his father and his church.

    I would also like to bring to the attention to the writer that said God does not allow bad things to happen to good people. Explain Job - - he had friends just like you starring at him saying the same things. Yet God gave him twice as much back when God decided to restore him. There are many examples of God allowing people just like you and the accusers to come against innocent people. Look at the story of Joseph. he was innocent. . . in fac the story is like like this one. It was family members that betrayed him and sold him into slavery. he throw into prison b/c he was accused of sexual misconduct. BUT IN THE END HE WAS THE RULER OVER THE NATION AND SAVED HIS OWN FAMILY THAT SOLD HIM INTO SLAVERY!!!!!!! You need to read the bible youzer!!!!!!! Better yet. . . why dont you try praying for all parties involved. If you read the Word of God. . . you would know that the Bible commands that. Instead - - you choose to pass around false rumors and accusations.

    Nikki

    Comment by Nikki — October 27, 2007 @ 10:59AM

  25. Thanks for keeping things real Nikki. The Hamiltons and Yowzer has proved that they are no sheep, but wolves. No surprise to me. And jealousy about their vehicles...please. Is that what gets you Yowzer, Vehicle envy?

    Comment by Grace & Mercy — October 27, 2007 @ 12:29PM

  26. Perhaps it's time someone did the math. In a previous comment the question was raised as to why the McDaniels live in a home that is in the name of Dr. Klem. Well, that's an easy one to answer. Due to Tina and Shawn McDaniels gross inability to handle money, history of home repossession as well as history of bankruptcy, they had no alternative but to seek a home that the owners would be kind enough to owner finance for them. Just as ironical is the fact that over the years Tina has been known to borrow grocery money time and time again from her friends, yet, due to her 'wannabe' nature, continues to wear a Rolex watch. I even personally heard her 'counsel' someone who was considering bankruptcy and urged them purchase a new vehicle and to totally max out their credit line before filing. And it should not at all come as a surprise that all the other parties whom have taken legal action in this matter are in dire financial straits also. The 'Bankruptcy Bunch' have always been known as parasites looking for a host. Yes, Ashlyn and Brea are indeed victims. They are the victims of absentee parents. Their mother trolled the streets searching for drugs and places to make a buck dancing while their father sold the only home they knew and rented a bedroom from an old lady so he would not have to deal with them. Randee was the victim of a ranting, Hepatitis C ridden
    pathetic excuse of a mother/woman and she, too, has had no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere. And how many law suits does Tina have on the burner right now? Look it up and you will find that you can't count them on one hand. Neither can you count on one hand the men she has accused of child molestion. There was Dr. Klem, her current father-in-law, her current husband, her step-father and the list goes on and on. And it is indeed interesting that she 'waited' to charge Dr. Klem until he was an established physician. Perhaps it was for the same reason that she waited until her brother received significant insurance funds from the death of his spouse before taking him to court in an attempt to get custody of his children. This is a sick, pathetic excuse for a human being, let alone a mother, and when her harvest comes in I expect her misery to be ten thousand times worse than that which she has caused.

    Comment by Just the Facts! —