Affidavit: Religious elder abused, raped children for decades

by: Alina Lee

Posted: Dec 23, 2022 / 09:34 PM MST

Updated: Dec 23, 2022 / 09:34 PM MST

TELLER COUNTY, Colo. (KXRM) — An arrest affidavit regarding a religious leader charged with sexual assault on a child reveals allegations dating as far back as the 1970s and inaction by those in positions of power.

Shawn Lance Swisher, 60, was arrested at his home in Teller County on Tuesday, Dec. 20. He is known as a “highly respected” and trusted elder at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness located at 1035 Woodland Avenue in Woodland Park, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit lists eight victims and numerous witnesses in the case against Swisher, many of whom were “close family friends,” with Swisher. According to the affidavit, victims struggled to come forward because “the Swisher family was very prominent in Woodland Park and Teller County.” Victims claim that Swisher also manipulated them into keeping silent by using his status or telling children that their parents were okay with what he was doing.

these people are sick