In a developing story that has captured the attention of religious communities and legal observers alike, M. Wayne Blackburn, the senior pastor of Victory Church in Lakeland, Florida, has been accused of helping to cover up the sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy that allegedly took place approximately 40 years ago.
However, Blackburn’s attorney has strongly asserted that the claims stem from a case of mistaken identity, raising questions about the accuracy of the allegations leveled against the prominent megachurch leader.
According to a report by The Christian Post published on March 21, 2025, the accusations against Blackburn are detailed in a lawsuit that also names the Peninsula Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God.
The suit alleges that Blackburn, who was reportedly involved with an Assemblies of God church at the time, was informed of the abuse by the victim, a young boy participating in a Royal Rangers meeting—a faith-based scouting program.
The complaint claims that Blackburn took the child to report the incident to another pastor, identified as Pastor Strader, but no further action was taken to address the abuse allegedly perpetrated by a church volunteer named Steverson.
The graphic nature of the allegations has stirred significant concern, though specifics remain under scrutiny as the case unfolds.
Blackburn’s legal team has been quick to respond.
In a statement cited by The Christian Post, attorney Jordan wrote, “We are aware of the lawsuit filed against Pastor Blackburn and the Peninsula Florida District Council regarding events that allegedly occurred over 40 years ago.
While we deeply sympathize with anyone who has experienced abuse, we firmly believe this is a case of mistaken identity.”
The attorney’s defense hinges on the assertion that Blackburn has been wrongly identified as the individual involved in the incident, a claim that could potentially shift the trajectory of the legal proceedings.
Adding to the narrative, a post on X from @SexAbuseAttys on March 22, 2025, linked to an article reiterating the mistaken identity defense, suggesting that the story is gaining traction beyond traditional news outlets.
While X posts alone cannot serve as definitive evidence, they reflect a growing public interest in the case and the debate surrounding the pastor’s involvement.
Details about the alleged abuser, identified in the lawsuit as Steverson, and the exact circumstances of the cover-up remain limited in public reporting thus far.
However, the allegations have sparked broader conversations about accountability within religious institutions, particularly when it comes to historical claims of abuse.
Victory Church and the Assemblies of God have not yet issued detailed public statements beyond the attorney’s remarks, leaving many questions unanswered as the legal process moves forward.
The lawsuit’s timing, filed decades after the alleged events, complicates the case further. Memories fade, records may be incomplete, and identifying the correct individuals involved becomes a challenging task—lending some credence to the mistaken identity defense.
Yet, for the plaintiff, now an adult, the pursuit of justice appears to outweigh these hurdles. As noted in The Christian Post, the complaint emphasizes that even as a child, the victim recognized the wrongness of what happened to him, a sentiment that has evidently fueled this legal action years later.
As of March 22, 2025, the story remains in its early stages, with no court rulings or additional evidence publicly available to substantiate either the accusations or the defense.
The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing historical abuse claims within religious settings, where institutional loyalty, personal reputation, and the passage of time often collide.
Whether Pastor M. Wayne Blackburn’s name will be cleared as a result of mistaken identity or if further revelations will emerge remains to be seen, but the unfolding drama is sure to keep both supporters and critics watching closely.
