Ben Armstrong Lawsuit & Sexual Assault Investigations

In early February 2026, allegations surfaced accusing Ben Armstrong, a leader associated with Bethel Church in Redding, California, of grooming and sexually assaulting young women under his ministry during the late 2000s. The claims were brought forward publicly through social media and interviews on the Wake Up and Win Podcast.

Two women came forward with accounts describing manipulative behavior, grooming, and sexual assault, including incidents that allegedly occurred when one of them was an intern living with Armstrong at age 18–19. The accusations challenge Bethel’s earlier characterization of a 2009 “moral failure” or affair, suggesting the relationship may have involved coercion or abuse rather than a consensual relationship.

Following the release of these accounts, Bethel leadership issued public statements acknowledging the allegations and ultimately placed Armstrong on administrative leave pending an independent third-party investigation. Church leaders stated they are consulting outside experts and reviewing their past handling of the 2009 situation as part of the investigation. At Kayla’s Survivors, our attorneys are actively taking on claims against Ben Armstrong and Bethel Church. We are here to support survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and misconduct. Get started with your claim by calling (800) 509-9747 or request a free case evaluation online. 

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Investigation Timeline & Key Events: Ben Armstrong

February 15, 2026: Administrative Leave Announced

• Bethel leadership announced that Ben Armstrong was placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
• Leadership said Armstrong will not minister during the investigation.
• Bethel stated they would initiate an independent third-party investigation and consult outside experts.

February 15, 2026: Address to Congregation

• During a Sunday service, Bethel lead pastor Dan Farrelly addressed the allegations publicly.
• Leadership reiterated that they are engaging outside counsel and independent investigators to review the allegations and ensure a trauma-informed process.

February 13, 2026: Bethel’s Initial Public Statement

• The Wake Up and Win Podcast released an interview with a second alleged victim identified as “Sarah.”
• She claimed that while working as Armstrong’s intern at age 18–19, he groomed and sexually assaulted her multiple times.
• She also alleged leadership previously pressured her to accept blame for what was described as an “affair.”
• Bethel leadership released a statement acknowledging an accusation involving events from 2008–2009.
• The church referenced Armstrong’s past repentance and restoration process following what had previously been described as a “moral failure.”
• Leaders said they were reviewing the situation and evaluating the allegations.

February 4, 2026: First Video Investigation Released

• The Wake Up and Win Podcast released its first video interview featuring Rozanne Leigh, who publicly described alleged grooming and inappropriate touching by Armstrong.
• Leigh said Armstrong gradually isolated her and developed an inappropriate relationship during her involvement in his ministry.

Early February 2026: Public Allegation Posted Online

• Rozanne Leigh first shared her account publicly on Facebook, describing alleged grooming behavior by Armstrong during her time involved in Bethel ministries after moving to Redding from South Africa.

Post-2009: Return to Ministry

• After several years away from public ministry following the earlier scandal, Armstrong was eventually restored to ministry by Bethel leadership.
• His story of repentance was reportedly used publicly as an example of restoration after moral failure.

2009: Initial Internal Incident & Discipline

• Bethel leadership became aware of an incident involving Armstrong and an intern.
• The church reportedly treated the situation as a “moral failure” or affair.
• Armstrong repented publicly, was removed from ministry, and entered a multi-year restoration process.

2008–2009: Alleged Grooming & Sexual Assault

One alleged victim said she was 18–19 years old and living with Armstrong’s family while serving as his intern when the abuse occurred.

Alleged victims claim that during this period Armstrong groomed and sexually assaulted young women connected to his ministry.

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Get Help From The Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors

At Kayla’s Survivors, our attorneys have a proven track record of holding churches and religious institutions accountable through civil sexual abuse lawsuits. If you or a loved one experienced abuse, assault, or sexual misconduct connected to leadership or programs at Bethel Church or another religious organization, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation and hold both the responsible individuals and the institution accountable. Our team is committed to helping survivors come forward safely and seek justice.

Get started with your case by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support. Our law firm has helped recover over $1 billion as a result of settlements and verdicts, including claims made against churches, clergy, and other religious leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who may be eligible to pursue a claim related to the Bethel Church investigation?

Individuals who experienced sexual abuse, assault, grooming, or other forms of misconduct involving a Bethel Church leader, employee, or volunteer may be eligible to pursue a civil claim. This can include people who were involved in church ministries, leadership programs, internships, or affiliated schools. In some cases, institutions may also be held liable if they failed to properly supervise leaders or respond appropriately to reports of misconduct.

What compensation may be available to survivors who come forward?

Survivors who pursue a civil lawsuit may be able to recover compensation for medical and therapy expenses, emotional distress, and other losses resulting from the abuse. Civil claims may also seek damages related to long-term trauma and the impact the abuse has had on a survivor’s life and relationships. In some cases, courts may also award additional damages intended to hold responsible individuals and institutions accountable.

How long do I have to file a claim against Bethel Church?

The time limit to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit depends on state law and several factors, including the survivor’s age at the time of the abuse and when the harm was discovered. In California, where Bethel Church is located, laws provide extended timeframes and statute of limitations for many survivors of sexual abuse to pursue claims. Because these deadlines can vary, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal options.

News Coverage

• KRCR. (2026, February 2). Bethel places ministry leader on leave after allegations of sexual assault. https://krcrtv.com/news/local/bethel-places-ministry-leader-on-leave-after-allegations-of-sexual-assault