Troubling legacy
Anchor Character Training Center, a children’s center, is unlicensed in IowaBy ABIGAIL McWILLIAM, Messenger news editor
Article Photos
EDITOR'S NOTE: Messenger News Editor Abigail McWilliam began this package of stories when Michele Ulriksen contacted her to say Michael Palmer had returned to Fort Dodge.
A 16-year-old sex offender is living at an unlicensed children's care facility operated by the Harvest Baptist Church of Fort Dodge.
The facility, Anchor Character Training Center, 1940 225th St., is a coed home for troubled teens.
Trevor James Fuhrman was convicted in 2005 of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a girl under the age of 13, according to the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. Fuhrman was convicted outside of the state.
Anchor Character Training Center has had 24 runaway juveniles, a child endangerment charge that involved a paddling incident and one case of criminal mischief in the past 10 years, according to Webster County Sheriff Brian Mickelson. No charges were filed in these cases. The facility houses about 35 teens, according to recent information submitted to The Messenger.
Meanwhile, the facility, which has been in operation since 1996 at the former Webster County Home, does not have written certification to be a children's center in Iowa, according to Roger Munns, Iowa Department of Human Services spokesman.
Iowa Code 237B.1 defines a children's center as a privately funded facility designed to serve seven or more children who are not under the custody or authority of the DHS, juvenile court or another governmental agency.
Sgt. Luke Fleener, Webster County Sheriff's Department, said Fuhrman's placement at Anchor is court-ordered, and he is in the custody of Anchor.
Fleener said he does not believe Fuhrman is in violation of the sex offender registry laws. However, the interpretation of the Iowa Sex Offender Registry law is determined by the applicable county attorney.
"I prosecute these cases if it is brought to me, if there is a possible violation," said Webster County Attorney Tim Schott. "Right now that hasn't happened."
Munns said certification or licensing standards had not been written because DHS wasn't aware that the facility existed until The Messenger informed it.
"It hasn't risen to the top of the pile," Munns said. "It will be written soon. It has not been a high priority, but it is now."
In establishing certification or licensing standards for a children's center, DHS is required to consult with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Department of Education, Department of Public Heath, state fire marshal and community-based providers of services.
Several of these departments have already been consulted and the certification should be written within the next few months, Munns said.
"The law specifically prohibits us from making decisions on program content," Munns said. "What it will include is things like fire safety, medications properly stored, emergency numbers for parents, things that are very similar to regulations for child care facilities."
Munns said the state has no idea how many of the children's centers exist in Iowa.
"If people tell us about them, we become aware of them," he said.
According to its Web site, Anchor Character Training Center does not charge for juveniles to come to the facility, but instead asks the parents to give what they can. The main goal of the facility is to "help young people get their lives disciplined to the ways of God according to the Bible."
Marvin E. Smith, the pastor who runs the Harvest Baptist Church and the Anchor Character Training Center, returned a phone call for an interview, but then took another phone call before answering any questions. Smith did not call back by press time.
Other unlicensed facilities
The Messenger began investigating Anchor Character Training Center after learning that a man with a long history of running lockdown Christian boarding schools for troubled girls is living in Fort Dodge and has expressed interest in purchasing a church here.
Fort Dodge native Michael Palmer, 69, and his wife, Patty, were banned from running any unlicensed facility in California in 1992 following an investigation into his school, Victory Christian Academy.
Another facility, Genesis by the Sea, an all-girls Christian facility in Ensenada, Mexico, was reportedly owned by Palmer and ordered to close in 2004 after Mexican authorities found evidence of abuse and neglect.
Palmer has also been the target of numerous allegations from former students that include child abuse, brainwashing and rape.
Palmer declined to give a formal interview, but answered a few questions by phone. "So much has been said that is not true," he said. "We want to live our lives in peace."
The Messenger was notified about Palmer by Michele Ulriksen, a former student of Palmer's, who has written a book "Reform at Victory" that gives her chilling account of a year spent at Palmer's facility in Ramona, Calif. The facility was closed in 1992 when officials determined the facility had health, fire and safety hazards.
Another former student, Rebecca Ramirez, led a protest five years ago at Palmer's Victory Christian Academy in Jay, Fla. Ramirez said Palmer became obsessed with her, raped her and offered to buy her from her parents for $25,000. Following the protest in 2004, where she held up a sign that read "Mike Palmer rapist lives here," the school was renamed Lighthouse of North West Florida.
Palmer said he had not been involved with the facility for five years.
"We don't even go to Florida anymore," he said.
Palmer's Fort Dodge home at 1604 Elmhurst Ave., as well as a large storage building at 8 S. 17th St., are owned by Good Samaritans of North West Florida Inc. The same corporation filed an article of incorporation for the business address of Victory Christian Academy in Jay, Fla., on Dec. 10, 2004, but was later incorporated by Genesis Ministries Inc.
"It was not my call." Palmer said in reference to having his property listed with the corporation.
Palmer said he looked at a church in Fort Dodge, but it was for some friends who wanted to convert it into a convalescent home for elderly people.
Cindy Mulroney, an Iowa Realty agent, who has been showing a church building at 1633 N. 29th St., confirmed that Palmer looked at the building on May 29, 2008.
"I had a Realtor's open house and he showed up at the end," Mulroney said. "He told me he was working with (another agent) and I know he's looked at it one more time since then."
Mulroney said Palmer introduced himself as a pastor who had owned a church in Florida and said he was retired.
"He said he was thinking about being a pastor again," she said.
Mulroney declined to say which agent Palmer is now working with.
Contact Abigail McWilliam at (515) 573-2141 or amcwilliam@messengernews.net
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actchomekid
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06-09-09 9:01 PM
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well I am one of the home kids, and yes its true we have a registered sex offender in the home...personally I have never spoken to him for we are not allowed to talk to the boys but he is some one i pray for. Miss Heather Smith i am sorry for whatever happened to you i currently am 17 years old and i have done some very bad things in my life...thats why i was in the home! i dont judge trevor and i hope you dont either...he is a good boy as for the man who did things to you i say forgive him. you think you are the only one who has been thru abuse?SORRY youre wrong.. but the home has spared my life i would've probably been dead or in jail right now!so please dont judge! and pray that the home stays open!! join us in fighting for the home!!
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heathernsmith
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05-16-09 4:31 AM
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I am one of those kids. and this is especially for "hbmember". How DARE you say that evil man did nothing wrong. For the last 19 years the sinister, evil things he did to me and 90 other girls at VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY in Ramona, CA have haunted me and all of the other girls. Are we all kind of like halocaust victims who didn't exist. He has been doing this for decades and keeps weaseling his way out of it. berating little girls, ripping them out of chair by their feet, putting girls in headlocks, forc feeding, locking us in tiny rooms...all in the name of JESUS. he is no "Poor man". he's evil and deserves to rot for the misery he's caused thousands of troubled kids over the decades. the accusations 20 years ago were only ONE of the things he was accused of. do your research. ***********isaccorp****/victorychristianacademy.asp. If you care about your children, do NOT let this man be near them.
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StuckInDodge
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03-14-09 1:23 AM
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To be honest, I'm more concerned about the competency of the Wesbter County DHS than anyone in this case. Webster County DHS did know about the training center, and to say that they hadn't is nothing short of a lie. Maybe Mandatory reporters should report to the public, and we can keep our taxes that go to waste. There was alot of heat on the Texas DHS when they removed youth and women from the religous sect, but I would rather have that happen then to ignore reports of abuse and neglect. It's unfortunate that Fort Dodge is so corrupt at all ends.
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LoverofGod
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03-05-09 8:47 AM
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Sorry I didn't notice that this question was a response to someone else...however...a majority of Independent Fundamental Baptists do seem to think that they are the only ones who teach truth. Running a bus route is good, but there are other churches in Fort Dodge that teach children about Jesus was my only point.
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LoverofGod
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03-05-09 8:26 AM
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"The other fifty or so churches would be able to teach children about Jesus???" I hope you will earnestly rethink this remark. It's a misnomer to think that only the Baptists believe in salvation by grace.
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LoverofGod
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03-04-09 11:04 AM
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THe ACTC residents and the Harvest Baptist school kids are not educated together. Not to be arugmentative, but the local business people ine FD do not necessarily hire Harvest kids because of how intelligent they are or aren't. They hire them because they are dependable and respectful. Michael Palmer and Marvin Smith are at the very least acquaintances so in many peoples minds this makes them conncected. We all know that accusations get thrown around about ministries that aren't true, but what is the harm in being accountable and upfront with any ministry? Any time accusations are made they should be investigated and just because a court throws something out does not mean it is/isn't true, it means there was not enough evidence to prove it's true. Look at how many things get reported and nothing gets done and a child is harmed in some terrible way. Accountability is a good thing...not a punishment!!
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hbmember
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03-03-09 11:53 PM
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maryjane, its been in the courts and found nothing. why would it get thrown out if he did what those girls said. No proof just girls who were mad about rules cring wolf. HBC is a great place thank you. And this kid who is sixteen was 13 when it happened the girl was 12. How would everyone feel if everyone of you were put on the hot spot how many of you messed up? Why should we judge someone who is tring to get help?
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1957hat
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03-03-09 11:41 PM
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firefly, you said some nice things. But then you went right down the same path as so many others. You assume that, because they made some errors, they must have been educated at HBC. I was that way also, when I moved to Ft. Dodge. Suspicion and gossip are like a virus that mutates as it spreads. The more people it spreads to, the worse it gets. Odds are, that person was educated in public school. I asked the State Board Of Education, how HBC compares to public school. You see, they go in regularly to test the kids. Most of them score above the public school kids. It is a matter of public record, that anyone can access. What people don't understand, they fear and gossip about. I am from the south, and don't understand why so many people here are so petty and hateful. By the way, if you ask local business owners, you will find that they love to hire HBC students. They are hard working and well mannered. That's uncommon these days. I just thought you should know the facts.
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Maryjane
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03-03-09 11:07 PM
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hbmember said:"Just so everyone can read Michael Palmer has done nothing wrong hes a man who moved back to fort dodge IA his HOME town to let his wife die in peace. The acusations this reporter put in the paper it all got thrown out of the courts. He is just here letting his wife die in peace. Leave the poor man alone, these acusations were made 20 years age." I doubt if this guy has ever given his wife any peace, why start now. As for the accusations, those girls have to live every day with the consequences of that *&#@'s actions. I have no sympathy for him whatsoever.
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Maryjane
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03-03-09 11:03 PM
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UseYourBrain said "A judge placed the 16 yr old - you don't know what his registration was for and he's at the home because of it. Not in your community. YOU ALL SHOULD THANK HBS." The home IS in our community, within walking distance of many homes with kids.I'm not ready to lynch this guy without knowing what he did, but there are plenty of people who live out there by the center.
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1957hat
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03-03-09 8:26 PM
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Did any of these geniuses like, donaldduck, Bengsxr, or SPORTSMAN even read the "story". It certainly was not news. You see, news requires fact check, rather than opinion, gossip and petty differences. People with brains make sure they are informed before they speak, unlike these folks. #1)There is no connection between Palmer and HBC. The writer of the "story" only included HBC to stir up the community. #2)Decoster moved to Maine, more than 2 years ago, and withdrew his membership. #3)If its such a bad place, why have courts across the country ordered teens to the ACTC, instead of Rabiner? Because the ACTC has a 73 percent success rate. Not a single State or Federal program even comes close to that. #4)DHS has been aware of the ACTC and its success for several years.And how small minded does someone have to be,to think its a cult? You need to look up the definition of cult. Because the moral standards are higher than yours,is not the definition of a cult. Y
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lookatthefacts
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03-03-09 7:52 PM
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16 yr old sex offender - it's against the law to print that without parental consent. He is there to get help. The boys and girls of the "co-ed home" are always separated. Whether it be eating, sleeping, recreation, or church...and always with a staff member.
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lookatthefacts
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03-03-09 7:31 PM
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A few questions/statements that have come up: Are juvenile sex offenders exempt from registering their addresses? No, they must register. How do you think the messenger found out the ACTC had a sex offender living there?? Because he had to register with the city. Unliscenced- It's not illegal to run an unliscensed home. All the paper work was properly filed when opened in 1998. Old lady paying trailer back taxes- I personally know the owner that it was sold to, and he is a 20 yr old male -- no back taxes. Websites about ACTC- those are not posted by the Harvest Baptist Church. Pastor Smith does not support the internet(due to the many lives it's destroyed) and will not put his ministry on it. Traveling- He does travel a lot -- to speak at other churches, not on vacations. DHS- They know the ACTC is there & has checked on it many times in the past. No Interview- Messenger called for one the day before printing the article. Not even a chance to call them back.
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hbmember
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03-03-09 7:31 PM
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Just so everyone can read Michael Palmer has done nothing wrong hes a man who moved back to fort dodge IA his HOME town to let his wife die in peace. The acusations this reporter put in the paper it all got thrown out of the courts. He is just here letting his wife die in peace. Leave the poor man alone, these acusations were made 20 years age.
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Useyourbrain
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03-03-09 6:02 PM
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I'm saying the article should then be more concerned about Palmer and his moving into Fort Dodge, possibly dangerously - sticking to the facts. HBS has nothing to do with Palmer so why is it written that way? Trickery. I agree with SPORTSMAN that the truth will rise from this - no doubt. Just thought someone should point out the trickery. And HELLO - its a troubled children's home! A judge placed the 16 yr old - you don't know what his registration was for and he's at the home because of it. Not in your community. YOU ALL SHOULD THANK HBS. And what sheriffs calls to the home? I didn't follow that from the article, at all-are you know paraphrasing? Finally-reminder rom the Bible, to those speaking against HBS's work and its ministries. Real ministers! Real work! For God! For America! For Africa! Everywhere! Its amazing!!
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SPORTSMAN
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03-03-09 3:39 PM
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What did I miss? I read this article and see it is about a sex offender that is living at the home. That the local Sheriffs dept does not know if he has violated a law or not. I thought that if you are a sex offender in any state you must register where ever you move to no matter what age.. Also the article is about the Sheriffs Dept being called out to the home at different times but feeled no arrest was necessary, wonder if they would feel that way if it was happening to one of their children? Also its about DHS having to make out reports which will take a few months, because this hasn't risen to the top of the pile yet.. Once again its about people that refuse to do anything about a bad situation. But hey lets not overreact here cause its only happening to the children!!
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LoverofGod
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03-03-09 3:27 PM
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I have fully read the article. The writer said she began investigating the Anchor Character Training Center AFTER she had learned about Michael Palmer moving to the area and searching for property to buy. It's possible that someone may have just been looking for an excuse to write about the ACTC or Michael Palmer, we can't deny that. It's also possible that the ACTC and Harvest have done nothing wrong and are above board in all of their practices. I've personally read a lot about Michael Palmer before this article ever came out. He may be falsely accused, he may be guilty. None of US knows for certain. As I stated before, if they have done nothing wrong they have nothing to fear. God knows the motive of the writer of this article and if it is merely to spread doubt and fear concerning this ministry, then God can deal with them. If the article is true, then God is also quite able to deal with this ministry and any wrong doings.
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Useyourbrain
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03-03-09 3:06 PM
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Some of you need to find something to do or at least read the full so-called article before you blog. If you're for HBC, against HBC or don't care-you have to admit there is no relation between HBC and Palmer. There is no 'juice' on HBC so the ugh-editor Abigail McWilliam basically wrote an article about a loser Palmer and got some digs in on HBC while she was at it. This is called trickery writing - HELLO! Why isn't McWilliam blogging either? You're so uptight "Marvin" and "Jr" and "Smith" aren't on here blogging (about what?) where is McWilliam or why aren't you blogging about Palmer? The article is about Palmer (ick!) not about HBC. The HBC organization is not run by Marvin Smith - there are tons of people all over this country and other countries serving God, helping children, teaching, feeding, etc. I'm not even in or from your city or state and its clear McWilliam's is chuckling that most of you jumped on her wagon without using any brains t
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LoverofGod
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03-03-09 2:53 PM
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"...people are judging this church and dont even have a clue." And then there is always the possibility that some who are posting...not judging... DO have a clue and DO know!!
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hbmember
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03-03-09 1:06 PM
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this editor that put this article in the paper should of got her facts first. everything in there is false. this church has helped fort dodge and if they were not here this place would be in peices. and so everyone knows it is illegal to plaster a underaged kids photo in the media without permission. and we all know that DIDNT HAPPEN. people are judging this church and dont even have a clue.
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firefly94
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03-02-09 7:00 PM
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Wheaties 2009 wrote: "Also, in response to firefly 94, I attended HBC and am now in college with A's and B's, and I DO have a good job." I am happy for you that you are doing well. Maybe I took the errors in those posts too seriously. It's just that the business world can be so cold & unfeeling. I just think ALL schools need to work really hard to prepare students for that. Actually, I enjoyed reading the posts from HBCmember & HBAKABRANCHDAVIDIANS. There is just something lovable about both of them. Come to think of it, maybe I shouldn't have said anything about their posting errors--After all, the slimy politicians of our day--who are pulling our nation away from God & into serious trouble--are VERY eloquent writers. We can miss seeing both good & definite red flags in others if we get too hung up on writing eloquence & errors--We can be so badly fooled by eloquence!
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forgiven
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03-02-09 6:09 PM
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Harvest baptist church has been the most amzing thing that has happen to many of us... speecially The anchor home...a home were so many of us teenagers found the meaning of life and people who gave us love and direction....Love and love thats what we found...so many of us are in diferent parts of the world..and we are behind the home for teens..we stand for it and we are behind harvest baptist church...Thank God for the home
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IowaTransplant
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03-02-09 5:26 PM
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Lest we forget (cont.) -- it is ALL about the children. IF there have been ANY wrongdoings, they need to be exposed. IF there is NO wrongdoing, then HBC has nothing to be concerned with, do they? Pastor Smith should be upfront and straight-forward to right any wrongs made, regardless of what they may be.
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IowaTransplant
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03-02-09 5:20 PM
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To repeat my earlier post -- I think some posters are truly missing the possible connection between the articles. The "common thread" connecting Palmer's past facility and this local facility is that their beliefs, if not the same, are similar -- that being the philosophy and theories of the late Lester Roloff. Check out *******lighthouse-baptist****/Christian-Character-Training-Center.shtml. Note the link "Our Heroes": Lester Roloff. Then check out ***********isaccorp****/vca/lester-roloff.11.17.02.html to read about the teen reform homes inspired by Roloff that have been investigated for abuse, etc. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see listed Victory Christian Academy, which was the "school" run by Michael Palmer. Taking the time to do some research and reading will help connect the dots, thus allowing a better understanding of why the facilities are very parallel to one another and why a broader investigation is necessary. Lest we forget -
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Wheaties2009
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03-02-09 3:52 PM
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Also, correct me if I am wrong, but isn't it illegal for a minor's picture to be printed without the consent of his/her guardian?
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