After two days of deliberation, a Santa Clarita Valley jury Monday convicted a man of violating the state’s “revenge porn” law for sharing nude photos of his now ex-wife with their congregation without her permission.
Andrew Samuel Wilder’s conviction for a violation of Penal Code section 647(j)(4), a misdemeanor violation, is also connected to a lawsuit filed by Wilder’s now ex-wife, Alison Wilder, against Andrew Wilder and the Placerita Bible Church.
The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the case. An attorney for Alison Wilder in her civil suit did not respond to a request for comment this week.
The story of the lawsuit drew attention to the community over the summer, because of the salacious nature of the allegations involving a church, as well as a previous collaboration between the church’s senior pastor, Adam Tyson, and the world-famous musician Kanye West.
The civil lawsuit against the church, which is scheduled for a hearing in November, alleges that Alison Wilder suffered years of abuse and domestic violence from her now ex-husband.
“Defendant Placerita Bible Church counseled plaintiff and (Andrew) Wilder in two marital
counseling sessions. Outside of counseling and without plaintiff’s consent or knowledge, defendant Placerita Bible Church encouraged and solicited (Andrew) Wilder to send nude photos of plaintiff to defendant Placerita Bible Church,” according to the civil lawsuit. “(Andrew) Wilder did so without plaintiff’s consent.”
Attorneys for Andrew Wilder filed an answer to the civil suit on July 27, stating 29 separate arguments, including that Alison Wilder’s claims are barred by the First Amendment protections, that the material was jointly possessed within the marriage and that the plaintiff had consented to the sharing.
Katie Rabago, Alison WIlder’s attorney in her civil suit, issued a statement Wednesday via email:
“The criminal verdict against Mr. Wilder provides meaningful validation to Mrs. Wilder after a long and painful process. While the criminal justice system has held Mr. Wilder accountable under the high burden of proof required by law, we remain fully focused on our ongoing civil action,” said the statement on behalf of Alison Wilder.
A pretrial brief filed by the L.A. County DA’s Office referenced a transcript of Andrew Wilder’s statement in which he admitted sending the photos to Patrick Hamblin and Mark Madrid, who are listed as elders in the church, as well as several others.
In response to a request for comment, Terry McClain, the church’s office manager and an assistant to Tyson, issued the following statement via email:
“We cannot comment on pending litigation. What we can say is this: Domestic violence is a grave harm and a serious sin. Our pastoral counsel — without exception — is that anyone in such a dangerous situation should seek safety. We tell people to leave immediately, contact law enforcement and make use of available legal protections. We affirm that authorities exist to enact justice (Romans 13:1-5). It is our hope and prayer that the Lord graciously brings about repentance, justice and healing in all such situations.”
A probation and sentencing hearing in connection with Andrew Wilder’s criminal charge is scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Santa Clarita Courthouse. The maximum penalty allowable under law for a violation of 647(j)(4) is six months in jail and a fine, according to state law.
A status conference is scheduled for November in the civil suit.
