3 accuse former Orangewood coach of abuse amid investigation of church and school's past - Orlando Sentinel

Last month, Orangewood hired GRACE, an independent organization that investigates claims of abuse in religious institutions, to conduct the investigation. The allegations, Orangewood Director Allyn Williams said, included “whether Orangewood had knowledge of such allegations and how it responded” at the time of the incidents.

Orangewood Church’s head pastor, Jeff Jakes, also has been accused of harassing and emotionally abusing a former intern in 1998 and is part of the investigation. The church announced he was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 28 “to avoid any assertion of influence with [the] investigation, and will remain so throughout GRACE’s investigation,” Williams said. Jakes has not been accused of physical or sexual abuse.

Williams did not respond to specific questions about any of the allegations against Manes. He said GRACE asked Orangewood to refrain from commenting on the inquiry until it concludes.

Orangewood announced the GRACE investigation after its Jan. 28 church service. Williams said the probe was expected to take at least 90 days. In a statement, GRACE Executive Director Boz Tchividjian said the organization “cannot put a definitive timetable” on the investigation. When asked, he would not confirm whether Manes is part of the investigation.

3 accuse former Orangewood coach of abuse amid investigation of church and school's past - Orlando Sentinel