Attorney Mike Bigos filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of Shannon Simendinger, a 45-year-old Pennsylvania woman alleging years of sexual abuse by members of the Fort Kent Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation when she was a child. The suit, filed in Aroostook County Superior Court, names local church elders and the national organization, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, for enabling the abuse and failing to protect her. Simendinger seeks justice and accountability for the institutional betrayal. “Other people are going to be harmed if I just sit back,” she said. “The main goal for me is healing, helping others, and for them to be accountable for letting this stuff happen.”

Hear more from Attorney Bigos and Ms. Simendinger in this NewsCenter Maine story: Former Jehovah’s Witness elder’s conviction prompts new lawsuit against organization

And in this Maine Public Radio interview: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Fort Kent sued for sexually assaulting girl decades ago | Maine Public

Beeman & Simmons Files for Reconsideration of Catholic Abuse Appeal

On February 11, Berman & Simmons Abuse Survivors Practice Group, Attorneys Mike Bigos, Tim Kenlan, Joe Gousse, and Charlie King asked the Law Court to Reconsider its recent decision in Dupuis, et al. v. the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland (2025 ME 6). The Motion points out that the (5-2) majority only answered half of the question presented, and that it failed to provide any analysis under Article I, Section 6-A of Maine’s Constitution—the due process clause that determines whether legislative impairment of a right is constitutional.

The motion stated:  “Put bluntly—by engaging in a protracted analysis that circumvented the plain language of the due process clause, and thus avoiding a due process analysis, the Majority unconstitutionally limited the Legislature’s authority.”

There is no specific timeframe in which the Law Court is expected to rule on the motion.

Abuse Cases to Continue

In the meantime, “newer” abuse cases against all entities and individuals (mostly for those born on or after 8/11/1970, with some exceptions that may extend the look back period) will continue unaffected.

For the “older abuse cases,” (mostly those born before 8/11/1970), plans continue for the Diocesan cases to move forward, regardless of how the Law Court rules on the motion.

If the Court reconsiders, we will of course show why the law complies with due process,” Bigos said. “If not, we will proceed in the trial court, but pivot and pursue causes of action that toll the statute of limitations, including fraudulent concealment and estoppel, because we believe that for decades, the Diocese covered up known child sexual abuse, and kept enabling dozens of abusers.” Our passion to help survivors is unchanged. We are not giving up.”

Here more from Attorney Bigos and Ms. Simendinger in this NewsCenter Maine story:

Former Jehovah’s Witness elder’s conviction prompts new lawsuit against organization

And in this Maine Public Radio interview: Jehovah’s Witnesses in Fort Kent sued for sexually assaulting girl decades ago | Maine Public

Berman & Simmons Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit on Behalf of Fallen Caribou Firefighter’s Widow

Berman & Simmons attorney Travis Brennan filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Shelby Raymond, widow of Caribou Fire Captain Daniel “Danny” Raymond, who was killed in a March 2023 crash involving a commercial box truck. The suit alleges that the driver, Vincent Smith, and his employers—Traditional Trucking Corp. and The Onyx Collection Inc.—were negligent, failing to adjust to hazardous road conditions. Filed in Aroostook County Superior Court, the suit claims the companies failed to properly train drivers and maintain their vehicles. Danny is sorely missed by many in the community where he served as a Captain with Caribou Fire and Ambulance. Brennan said those responsible must be held accountable for endangering public safety.

“Commercial trucking companies and their drivers have an enormous responsibility to public safety. In this case, we believe Traditional Trucking Corporation and their driver drove too fast for the road conditions and crossed the center line, leading to the death of a beloved community member. We believe the company and its driver must be held accountable for their actions.”

Read more about the case in The County newspaper: Aroostook woman sues trucker over crash that killed husband – The County

Firm News and Legal Expertise

Maine Law Features Berman & Simmons Attorney Susan Faunce as She Takes the Helm of the Maine State Bar Association

Susan Faunce ’06 credits her Maine Law education for launching a successful legal career, from a clerkship to joining Berman & Simmons, and, most recently becoming President of the Maine State Bar Association in 2025. On her current agenda is continuing to rebuild professional connections post-pandemic, enhancing access to justice in rural Maine, and supporting women in law. Faunce’s efforts include leading compensation equity initiatives and advocating for women’s representation on the MSBA board. Her continued mentorship with Maine Law faculty reflects the lasting bonds the school fosters and the values she’s committed to promoting statewide in her new role.

Read the full interview here:  Maine Law alumna Susan Faunce takes the helm of the Maine State Bar Association – MaineLaw – University of Maine School of Law