A Hard Hitting Documentary That Poses Questions Difficult to Answer
Mrs. LanceAround and I decide to end our 2015 FFF by watching the documentary Pervert Park. After 10 days of intense film watching, mostly documentaries, this film provided a powerful ending to a fantastic film festival.
This well made documentary centers around a trailer park in St. Petersburg, FL, just down the road from Orlando, that houses people who are registered sex offenders. The range of sex offenses causing someone to be registered are many and varied.
One offender was a very young man who was invited to have sex, online, with a 30 year old woman. He was gung-ho, until the woman encouraged him to include her 14 year old daughter. According to him, the woman continued to insist until he agreed, with one sentence, to perform a sex act with the 14 year old. When he showed up, he discovered it was an undercover sting operation. Bang. He’s now labeled a sex offender for the rest of his life.
On the other end of the spectrum was the woman who was encouraged to have sex with her father when she was very young. She then claims she had an un-consenting abortion and was told she couldn’t have children. She did have an unexpected pregnancy and gave birth to a son. When her son was eight, at the encouragement of a man who promised he would send her money and solve her problems, she had sex with her own son. Her son went on to sexually abuse another relative. It was heart wrenching to see her tearfully discuss what even she describes as the inconceivable and admittedly repulsive desire to continue to have sex with her father and then with anyone she could have sex with, including her own son. A competent therapist may have helped her to understand that when a young prepubescent child is forced into sexual acts with an adult who is meant to protect them, it is very common to emotionally intertwine the sex act as the way to express and receive affection. Unfortunately, there was never any therapist to help her work through these difficult and complex issues.
Normally, LanceAroundOrlando does not like to discuss such adult themes in graphic detail on a family oriented blogsite. But we believe this is an important social issue that needs to be examined. On the one hand, those branded as sex offenders are often tossed aside by our society. The trailer park in the movie showed numerous examples of vandalism and ill will sent in their direction, including a resident who found a bag of dead rats thrown into his laundry. On the other hand, repeat sex offenders can have difficulty controlling the illegal activities in which they engage. No one wants to see someone else abused, especially when the abuser had been caught once already.
Ironically, the movie reveals that not even the sex offenders want someone to be abused. The film showed some brutal honesty. Offenders readily admit their crime and express tearful remorse. Most offenders are following a pattern of abuse that began when they were abused and continues to trickle down. Group therapy sessions in the movie explore the dynamic of low self esteem which many offenders admit is a big contributor to their issues.
During this movie, the group therapist who works with many of the residents at the trailer park highlights the downhill spiral that keeps these people from finding redemption. They are branded for life. Many have to be on expensive probation programs, wear bracelets that greatly restrict their movements and have draconian rules which make it almost impossible to find a place to live, work or play. In short, they have nowhere to go and nothing to do. Understandably, no one wants the sex offender in their backyard. Ironically, this attitude tends to create the dynamics that make it even harder to address this issue. Should we simply kill them? Put them away for life? Ship them to a deserted island? No doubt, there are many in our society who believe we should do these things, even if they have the social skills to refrain from saying so out loud.
The person who founded the trailer park spoke about how she became passionate about this issue when her “perfect” son made that one mistake 20 years ago and wound up in the position that everyone in the trailer park finds themselves. She looks at the camera and asks the documentarian, who is off camera, if she has a child. Upon acknowledgement, she asks if the child is perfect. Of course. So was hers, until he made that “one” mistake.
The movie ends with the most dramatic and powerful credits in any movie I have ever seen. In place of normal credits, the screen shows the webpage of each person who appeared in the movie. A webpage that anyone in the world can easily access. It reveals their name, alias, last know address and the crime they committed. The laws of our country require this webpage to be available for all to see. LanceAroundOrlando fully understands the desire to protect our society. We understand the good intentions of those who create these laws. But the unintended consequences of publicly branding criminals has repercussions that cannot be easily dismissed. We know this is a topic with hard questions and no easy answers. The fact that I have spent this entire blogpost looking at this issue and did not spend it highlighting the filming techniques, directorial choices and/or cinematography is a testament to just how well done this film is. It was so good, it forced us to focus on the issue in the film and not on how the film was created. It is very powerful. I highly recommend it.
An earlier movie at the FFF had a father whose black son was killed by a white man at a gas station for playing loud music. This grieving father talked about the issue of our American society which has 5% of the world’s population yet has 25% of the world’s prisoners. Many of these prisoners are minorities from disadvantaged backgrounds. What makes matters worse is that the prisons in this country are, more and more, being run by for-profit corporations who promise 90% occupancy and a profit back to the governmental agency that contracts with the prison company. In other words, we are now using prisons for profit and dropping any pretense of using our incarceration system as a means for rehabilitation, education and healing. The black father identified this dynamic as a way our society is fueling racism. However, the same statistics highlight a concurrent problem that exists with anyone who comes in contact with our justice system, such as these sex offenders. We do not do enough to seek ways to help people find rehabilitation and redemption.
Lastly, for those who read this blog post and are upset with Mrs. LanceAround and I for bringing more light to these issues, I will give you one final piece of information to consider: I, myself, was sexually abused when I was younger by a man named Frank Fimiano. (I have vowed to myself that I will never reveal this information without also revealing the name of the person who abused me–so I fully understand the desire to publicly brand the offender–Am I trying to punish him or protect others from him? That’s the devil I live with every day.) And I know full well how it is to feel intense hatred towards someone who abuses an innocent person. Still, my better angels tell me there must be some way to find rehabilitation and redemption.
Lance Around Orlando 
April 7, 2016 at 2:11 pm |
Came across this article while doing some research – I, too, was sexually abused by a man named Frank Fimiano. I would like to discuss some things further if you are willing.
April 7, 2016 at 6:05 pm |
Hi Hal:
Thanks for joining the conversation. So sorry to hear that you were also a survivor of Frank Fimiano. Perhaps there is some consolation in knowing you are not alone. I have spoken with many men who were traumatized by this person; including my best friend Darrel Brubaker who took his own life.
Of course I would be honored to have the opportunity to speak with you and listen to your story.
April 23, 2016 at 1:57 pm |
I too was abused by Frank Fomiano in the early 1980s. I saw that you are from SE PA, as am I. I also read that you went on to study psychodrama. I went to Frank because he was a psychotherapist. I’d like to talk to you. E
April 23, 2016 at 2:33 pm |
Hello E: Certainly I will speak with you. You can email your contact information to me privately at LanceAround@FloridaDreamHomes.com.
August 16, 2016 at 3:36 pm |
I can be added to the list as well. He kept busy didn’t he. Does anyone know more of his whereabouts? Has he passed away? He should be rather old by now.
August 16, 2016 at 6:24 pm |
Hi Larry: Thanks for joining the conversation. So sorry to hear that you are part of an ever growing list! I will contact you via email to answer your questions. LanceAround
August 16, 2016 at 6:49 pm |
As far as I know, Frank Fimiano is alive and well, living in Henderson, NV. He is board president of Solera at Anthem Community Association. I believe this is a senior living place, so no kids, except for visiting grandchildren! Here’s a link to an article that quotes him from May, 2016: copy and paste if link doesn’t show:
https://www.fsresidential.com/nevada/news-and-events/press-releases/firstservice-residential-managed-community-associa
August 24, 2016 at 1:17 pm
Thanks for the update on his location. I hope to make changes to his living arrangements in the future-a residence behind bars.
August 24, 2016 at 12:18 pm |
Well you can add one more to the list, very surprised to see these posts after all of these years. This occurred back in the middle 70s to me. I’m curious as to how many, and saddened I didn’t stop it then.
August 24, 2016 at 9:24 pm |
Hi Boo Boo: Welcome to a club no one wants to be in! Over the years, I have discovered many young men and boys who, like me, have been sexually abused by Frank Fimiano. If you don’t mind, please drop me a private email. I would like to speak with you some more, if you’re comfortable talking. Most of the people I know who were abused by Frank Fimiano were abused in the early to mid 80’s. An abuse in the 70’s is very disturbing as it demonstrates that the circle is even wider than we realize. LanceAround@FloridaDreamHomes.com.
August 28, 2016 at 1:05 pm
Hi, you can use BooBoo18069@yahoo.com my other email addresses use my full name and I’d rather not share at this point.
WordPress.com
December 3, 2017 at 11:48 pm |
Such a triggering story to me and everyone abused by Frank Fimiano.
#MeToo
January 30, 2018 at 8:30 pm |
Hey Lance,
The movement has begun. I just let the management company of his HOA, which he is the director of, that he is and was a child molester. The person I spoke with was very concerned and wanted a lot of info which I was happy to provide. Pending review, and hopefully them reaching out to me, a letter will be sent by the management company to ALL of the residents of the community in which he lives.
If this does not happen, I personally will deliver letters to everyone in his community about what a POS FF really is. I’m also, after the letters go out, planning on getting the local press involved.
I will also be knocking on the front door of his residence to let him know that we’ve got him!!!
I just got two more people from Wissahickon to come forward and admit to the abuse they suffered at the hands of FF.
Now is the time for all of us to stand up and be recognized!!!!! The more victims I am aware of, the more ammo I have to get the police to open an investigation into him. With any luck, they’ll get ahold of his computer, which I’m sure has mucho incriminating evidence on it.
Sorry for the delay, but the time to strike is now!!!
January 30, 2018 at 11:31 pm |
Hi Jeff:
Thanks for your courage in being willing to come forward. I think it can be difficult for people who have never been sexually abused to understand why it can sometimes take decades to be able to share the story of our abuse. It can also be difficult to understand all the conflicting emotions and the need for support and guidance.
There is no question that Frank Fimiano should face the consequences for all the damage his actions have caused. Know that I stand with you in your attempts to seek justice. For myself, I do my best to approach the situation with thoughtful compassion for all involved. Compassion that does not preclude justice, rather, encourages it to the fullest extent in an effort to bring healing.
For Frank to continue to be in positions of leadership and influence is unconscionable. You are right to work towards correcting this and I am here to help.
Please pass along my contact information to the two survivors who have had the courage to come forward and let them know they are welcome to join our group we have formed to help all of us who have been abused by Frank Fimiano. They may contact me, privately if they prefer, through this blog.
March 13, 2018 at 2:28 pm
HI, wanted you to know I too have contacted the board at the location that Frank lives. I indicated his backround and why they would keep such a person on the board. Last I checked nothing changed and I didn’t get a response from them. I stand with you and happy to assist where I can.
March 13, 2018 at 3:14 pm
Hi BooBoo:
There are too many people in this world who envision sexual predators as sleazy men walking around parks in trench coats with no clothing. Unfortunately, that would make them too easy to recognize.
The reality is that many sexual predators are masters at giving the appearance of respectability. They are con artists of the highest order. Often, they have respectable jobs, such as guidance counselors, pastors, youth leaders. Sometimes they volunteer as church leaders, boy scout leaders, athletic coaches. This is where they prey upon unsuspecting victims. By appearing respectable, parents entrust their children to them. They are able to give the most convincing response if someone suggests they did something inappropriate. In some ways, it’s understandable how they get away with it. But once several survivors come forth, it is no longer understandable that people continue to believe and support them.
It takes a lot of courage for someone who was not victimized to stand up these perverts. Often, the abuser is well respected leader. Many people find it difficult to believe that such a respected citizen would “do such a thing.”
In the Academy Award winning film, Spotlight, which focused on this issue, the attorney gave this fabulous assessment: “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to abuse one.” It is, unfortunately, so true.
I have personally spoken to two people at the community where Frank Fimiano is president of the HOA. Each conversation was over an hour long. Each time the person on the phone was adamant by the end of the conversation that they now believed that Frank was an abuser. One of them then went on to say that they were not willing to do anything further because they were afraid of being sued. They requested that I have no further contact with them. The other said that he would no longer be friends with Frank but he was not willing to do anything beyond that. I don’t know what the truth is? Do they REALLY believe Frank is an abuser? If so, then how can they possibly stay silent. How can anyone know that someone in their community abuses people and stay silent??? The reality is, for many, many reasons people do.
In my experience, dealing with this issue is a battle and not unlike medieval days. You storm the castle gate by hitting it repeatedly with a battering ram. While you are doing this, supporters inside the castle are shooting arrows and pouring hot oil on you. They are suggesting you are lying, they are defending the abuser, they do everything in their power to smear you. But if you keep battering, eventually the castle gate will fall and the scum inside will scatter like cockroaches.
Thank you, so much, for the battering you are doing.
And thanks for standing with us. We really need that.
I hope some day you will send me a private email so I can know who you are and we can talk about this in person. But not until you’re ready.
LanceAround
PS: I have a list of people and organizations that I contacted about Frank who said they would, “get back to” me and who never did. I have come to understand that these people hold a degree of culpability for what has happen and, worse, what then continues to happen. While I understand their difficult position, I have little respect for them. They are the enablers of the village who allow the abuse to continue. And if you (I’m not referring to you BooBoo) if you recognize yourself as you read this–know that it’s not too late to do something. Send me an email, I have a thousand suggestions for how you can help. Call the Board at Frank’s HOA and ask them what they are going to do. Write a letter of support to the survivors and let us know you are standing with us. This is a very long, hard and difficult road. We really need your help.
June 1, 2018 at 11:48 am |
Jeff, I sent you a message on messanger. Just noticed this reply button
I would very much like to talk to you. I have been to your web site.
Obviously you know we live near each other. I am one of the board members.
Trying to remove FF.
June 20, 2018 at 2:49 am |
I happen to live about 4 houses away from this man. I was shocked to hear about this. He has “resigned” as president of the box. As of this date, there had been nothing sent to the homeowner’s in our neighborhood.
June 20, 2018 at 2:51 am
Sorry….”board”, not box.
June 20, 2018 at 2:42 pm
Hi Barbara. Frank was my private psychotherapist when I was 15. When I was 16 he decided that we should meet at his home office instead of his office at the Horsham Clinic. It was at his home that he abused me sexually, in 1982. Right across from his home was his church, the Souderton Brethren in Christ Church. My family became familiar with him from his time as a counselor at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA. I see three words when i see psychotherapist. E
June 20, 2018 at 3:14 pm
Hi E: While sex abuse is never a laughing matter, sometimes in stressful situations humor can really help. I read your comment three times before I understood what you meant when you said you see three words in psycho-the-rapist. Personally, having been sexually abused by Frank myself, I think the shoe fits! Thanks for giving me a smile in what is otherwise a very morbid subject. LanceAround.
June 20, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Hi Barbara:
So sorry to hear you live this close to a serial sex abuser. I appreciate your reaching out on my blog. I understand it can be quite shocking. Like many serial predators, Frank is a master at using his intelligence and charisma to present a front of respectability. I understand he even used his ample organizational and delegation skills for 10 years to successfully preside as president of your HOA. However, I’m not surprised he has resigned. He is now following his usual pattern. Here are some examples:
One survivor of his sexual abuse told me the story that he reported Frank to the administration at Wissahickon High School where he was a student and Frank was the vice principal and guidance counselor whom he reports abused him. This survivor was a student in Diane Fimiano’s class. (Diane is Frank’s wife. She was a teacher at Wissahickon High School.) Diane flunked this survivor and when he asked her why, he reports that she responded by asking him why he got her husband fired.
When the victim’s advocacy group formed in the Brethren in Christ church to help deal with those who Frank sexually abused, the local Souderton Brethren in Christ Church allegedly initially asked the Fimiano’s to leave the church. I spoke with a member of the church who worked with Diane on a committee and she reported to me that Diane turned over all the committee material to her and indicated that the church had unjustly asked them to leave.
Frank then began his own business called Action Insights. When a father of one of Frank’s alleged abuses found out Frank was abusing his son, he reported to me that he went to Frank’s office and demanded that Frank shut down the business. He reports that the business was shut down very soon after that.
Frank then went on to own the Plumsteadville Inn in Pipersville, PA. I think it would be a good idea for law enforcement to research the people who were employed there when Frank was the owner to see if his pattern of abuse extends to that location.
Then the Fimianos show up in Las Vegas and for the past 10 years Frank has used his considerable charm, charisma and organizational skills to become president of the HOA. Predictably and consistently with his history of reports of sexual abuse, it was only a matter of time until his past caught up with him. I don’t know what happened in the executive HOA meeting where Frank resigned, but I do know that several diligent members of the HOA board had done a lot of research and were preparing to bring up the substantial amount of evidence regarding Frank’s history of alleged sexual abuse.
So I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see the Fimianos follow their pattern of leaving a location once it becomes obvious that Frank’s history cannot be contained.
Based on my research, it appears that this is a very common pattern followed by serial sexual predators. The mistake most communities make is that they deal with the situation “quietly.” That’s a shame because what it does is it continues to allow a predator to simply move on and continue his predatory ways at a different location.
All of us need to work together to put a stop to sex abuse.
June 24, 2018 at 2:08 pm |
I live near FF and would like to communicate with you. Can you email me at Barbara _b@hotmail?
June 29, 2018 at 12:51 pm |
Jeff, what is happening with this? It’s been six months since you wrote this. I live in Solera and have just become aware of all this information within the past two weeks. I haven’t gotten a letter (which you said you were going to send). I would like to see this man brought to some kind of justice. Other than him “resigning”, I haven’t seen anything. And a lot of my neighbors think this is just a rumor and are defending him! It makes my blood boil!
July 12, 2018 at 6:55 pm |
Jeff, I know his exact address if you don’t.
February 2, 2018 at 11:06 am |
I’m so sad to read about the number of you abused by Frank Fimiano. Darrell Brubaker was a friend of mine, and his death often haunts me. I was part of the church where Darrell and Frank knew each other, but I had married and left that church by the time the incidents occurred (as far as I know). I think of the way Frank worked with youth and the trust and access he had within the congregation. It’s often been a cautionary story for me. I was absolutely shocked when I heard the back story of what happened to Darrell. I’m so sorry the church failed you and others.
February 2, 2018 at 2:45 pm |
Thank you for joining the conversation and for your compassionate words. I’m sorry to hear that Darrel’s death still haunts you. It does me as well.
Unfortunately, you were part of the church when Frank was sexually abusing. We now know about sexual abuse that occurred during the time Frank was involved in the “Let Youth Begin” and “Let Youth Decide” youth conferences which took place in French Lick, Indiana. We know Frank was abusing people who were part of the Wissahickon School district, the Pennridge School district, The Souderton School district, Messiah College, the Brethren in Christ Church, The Horsham Clinic, his “Action Insights” business–and these are just the ones that have been confirmed. As more and more survivors come forward, we are understanding the scope gets larger and larger.
For those who don’t know, the “back story” you refer to regarding Darrel Brubaker has to do with how the Brethren in Christ Church leadership responded to Darrel when he attempted to help those who were abused by Frank Fimiano. At the time, Darrel was a minister in the BiC church. For Darrel, it wasn’t as much Frank’s abuse as it was the leadership of the BiC church instructing him to not assist those who were abused that led to his downward spiral into depression and suicide. It breaks my heart to recall being with him when he was in so much distress.
It is very thoughtful of you to understand that the church failing us is, in many ways, as devastating as the abuse by Frank. I’m willing to share my own story about that, if you are interested in hearing it.
I hope you don’t mind if I contact you. If you are open to it, I would like to speak with you personally.
Many thanks for reaching out.
LanceAround
April 27, 2018 at 2:51 pm |
The fellow who posts here as Larry Cronin just told me about this website last night. LanceAroundOrlando, I appreciate you! Darrell’s parents left the BIC for 12 yrs because of how the leadership dealt with Frank. Although they returned to the BIC, they are still hurting. As recently as a few weeks ago, they asked me to transfer a sermon of Darrell’s from audio tape to digital file, so that they could share the sermon more widely. I’ve moved to the apartments where Darrell’s parents live. I see them every day. I still have your email address. I’ll send you an email in a week or so. Love, Gene
April 27, 2018 at 3:38 pm |
Hi Gene: You have been a good and faithful friend to Larry and I for so many years. Thanks for joining this conversation. I saw Darrel’s parents when I attended Dave Zook’s funeral two years ago. Yes, they are still hurting. It’s understandable. Please say hi to them from Mrs. LanceAround and Myself the next time you see them. Can’t wait to get your email. Can you please email me a copy of Darrel’s sermon as well. Thanks so much. LanceAround
June 10, 2018 at 4:38 pm |
Frank Fimiano Update from Solera at Anthem
For the past several weeks, several residents from Solera at Anthem, including members of the HOA Board, have been speaking with several alleged survivors of Frank Fimiano’s Sexual Abuse and their supporters. On Wednesday of this past week, there was an executive meeting of the HOA Board. What happens at an executive board meeting is confidential, so I have no idea what occurred during that meeting. All I know is that, the following day it was reported there were rumors all around Solera at Anthem that Frank Fimiano was no longer the president of the HOA. If you go to http://www.Soleranews.com and click on the link “Board” you can see that the president and vice president roles are currently listed as “Vacant.”
June 24, 2018 at 1:53 pm |
I can confirm that FF has “resigned ” as I live in Solera. I was speaking to a neighbor this morning who thinks this is all a rumor by people in our neighborhood and told me that FF is talking about suing someone in our neighborhood who supposedly started this “rumor”. What is being done legally to pursue this matter?
June 25, 2018 at 10:06 am
Barbara, I can assure you Frank will not sue anyone, he knows about this group and others that are speaking out about the sexual abuse he participated in for many years. If you have any doubt have none. I was abused by Frank for 4 years while in JR High School and High School. He was my guidance counselor in the Wissahickon School District. If he is stupid enough to sue, I and many others would be there to support them.
June 25, 2018 at 10:24 pm |
Wow what a disturbed couple. I know people who live in this community who have been ostracized for believing this story. The HOA has instructed staff not to discuss this issue. The rumor as I’ve heard it also, is this story originated from a disgruntled neighbor. That is the rumor making the rounds.
June 25, 2018 at 11:03 pm |
Frank is an incredibly charismatic and skilled manipulator. But he needs to do a better job being consistent with the lies and cover-ups he and his supporters are trying to spread.
I have spoken to several people who live in the Solera at Anthem community. At first, I was told that Frank was spreading the story that this all comes from someone who used to work with him at a hospital but Frank then had to fire him. The story I heard is that this person has a vendetta and every few years he tracks Frank down and harasses him. Then, word began to spread that all this is coming from Florida. (I live in Florida.) And I heard that Frank was telling people he never lived in Florida so this couldn’t be true. (I guess he didn’t understand that it would have been impossible for him to have fired me from a hospital in Pennsylvania if I only lived in Florida. The truth is, I moved to Florida long after Frank sexually abused me at his and Diane’s home in Souderton, PA.) The next story that started making the rounds is that the people accusing Frank were involved in drugs and Satanism. Now, there’s a new story suggesting that the rumors have “originated from a disgruntled neighbor.”
It appears like everywhere he goes, Frank believes people are out to get him. Though it’s not surprising. People do not like people who sexually abuse underage boys and young men.
As for the HOA–they have a duty to protect the residents of their community. Choosing to not take the information about a potential sex offender seriously and not pursuing it with due diligence did not work very well for Cardinal Law in Boston, it didn’t work for the leadership at Penn State and, if the HOA chooses to not do the right thing at Solera at Anthem they might just find out that it doesn’t work for them either. For the record, I know of three people (including myself) who have contacted the HOA of Solera at Anthem to personally report that they were sexually abused by Frank. I have also taken the added step of informing the entire leadership of FirstService Residential based on the About Us page of their website. Here is a link if you also would like to contact them to follow up and ask what their investigation (assuming they’ve investigated) has found: https://www.fsresidential.com/nevada/about-fsr/leadership
If anyone reading all the information contained in the comment section of this blog still believes that Frank is innocent and/or people are just out to get him, please email me. I will provide you with all the information you need to see for yourself whether or not the stories are true about Frank Fimiano sexually abusing underage boys and young men.
July 1, 2018 at 2:33 pm |
I am interested in seeing that information, please. I live in Solera.
July 3, 2018 at 8:11 pm |
Frank sexually abused me when I was 15. I went through some ugly stuff growing up that included an abusive alcoholic father and several divorces and step-fathers. Frank took advantage of a confused kid who was struggling to just survive. I thought I could trust him to help me but that wasn’t his goal. He was skilled at luring teen boys into his twisted sexual fantasies. He is a sick man who needs to be removed from any type of leadership that he can use to abuse others. Unfortunately, his abuse is beyond the statute of limitations. I have been in contact with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. They have transferred my information to the locals in Nevada. He can’t be touched until he commits another crime or if a more recent incident is brought to light. If anyone out there reading this has had a more recent incident, please step forward. You will have many standing to support you.
July 25, 2018 at 2:31 pm |
Somebody needs to file an FBI tip about this guy. I’ll bet he has kiddie pron on his computer which is a crime. File at: https://complaint.ic3.gov/default.aspx
August 15, 2018 at 2:50 pm |
Please call 888.538.8541 to report Frank Fimiano’s abuse in Pennsylvania. You can do this anonymously. After the recent scandal in the Catholic Church was uncovered, several survivors of abuse by Frank Fimiano called the PA Attorney General office on their toll free hot line to report Frank. (You can report anyone–it does not have to be someone from the Catholic Church.) If you, or someone you know, was abused by Frank Fimiano, please call 888.538.8541. The more people who report, the higher the likelihood the authorities will open a case file and take action to help bring some justice to the survivors.
December 6, 2018 at 12:45 pm |
I did call, the day you posted this, and shared my story of being molested over many months by Frank Fimiano – with his church in view from his bedroom window. Crickets since. I was triggered today to look at this after reading about some jerk in the Phillipines (an American priest) being arrested for molesting boys for 37 years!
Clean and sober 9 years 176 days.
December 6, 2018 at 12:54 pm |
Hi Elliot: You’re not the first person to complain about the response (or lack thereof) from the PA Attorney General office. I’m so sorry. Lately I’ve been listening to the podcast “Believed.” It’s the story of Larry Nassar’s abuse of HUNDREDS of women and girls when he was the gymnastics doctor in Michigan. Much about the podcast reminds me of how Frank Fimiano abused young men and boys and how the community continued (and still continues!) to support him. In Larry’s case, the sheer number of survivors who came forward reached a critical mass that allowed justice to prevail. He will now be in prison for the rest of his life. I can only hope that our efforts will somehow prevail in a way that will allow us to achieve some justice. On the other hand, you have 9 years and 176 days of sobriety. Let’s celebrate that with the understanding that we can prevail ourselves even if justice eludes Frank Fimiano. Hang in there and know all of us are with you! LanceAround
March 3, 2020 at 1:19 am |
A lot of states have or are instituting a “lookback period” in addition to extending the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse. There are several similar articles around from the last two years like this one. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/states-consider-easing-statute-of-limitations-on-child-sex-abuse-cases
Deborah
(EMC grad)
March 5, 2020 at 5:23 pm |
Hi Deborah:
Thanks for joining the conversation. I see you are an EMC grad, which I assume means Eastern Mennonite College. Of course, if you graduate now you would be an EMU grad–so I guess your reply dates you a little 🙂 By any chance, were you there when Darrel Brubaker was there? He was a good friend and I miss him terribly.
As for your reply, I’m at a loss why states would “ease” statute of limitations. In my opinion they should ELIMINATE statute of limitations entirely for all forms of sex abuse. Especially now that scientific research has demonstrated the AVERAGE length of time it takes for someone to admit they are a survivor of abuse is 10 years and it’s not uncommon for it to take 20 years or longer for a survivor of abuse to speak about what happened.
Please help us continue to spread the word–If you were abused, IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT. It’s OK to talk about your abuse and get support. There is a HIGH PROBABILITY that the person who abused you abused other people. We need laws that provide justice and relief to those who were abused. We need a judicial and law enforcement system that does not further acerbate the abuse. And all of us need more care and loving kindness!
Your Friend,
LanceAround
March 3, 2020 at 1:21 am |
There are a number of articles like this out there. I’m glad states are looking to extend statutes of limitations and such. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/states-consider-easing-statute-of-limitations-on-child-sex-abuse-cases
April 30, 2020 at 9:50 pm |
LanceAround I don’t know if you still look at this thread or not. You were my first camp counsellor (1978?) and you and I caught up a bit at your dad’s memorial service a number of years ago now. My dad pastored Souderton BIC for 1 year (1981-82). And I’ve said ever since that it was the worst year of my life. Although I have to emphasize, NOTHING to do with abuse by Frank Fimiano. His daughter and I were friends that year. We were 12 at the time. But reading this thread– I’m just so sorry . And devastated. And it hurts to read it. That’s all. Peace, my friend.
May 1, 2020 at 1:20 am |
Hi Curt: Of course I remember you as a camper. You were a great kid. I’m pretty sure it was the summer of 1981. You were very concerned because you didn’t know where your family was going to be moving to that summer. Imagine my delight when I got back home at the end of the camping season and discovered you were coming to Souderton! I don’t remember seeing you much in Souderton. I assume that’s because I was busy with my last year of college. I don’t remember seeing you at all at my father’s funeral. I’m so sorry. That was a very rough day for me. It’s also the last day any of my three sisters have spoken to me. (However, my oldest sister did stop to see me in Florida last November, which was a good, if not painful, start.) I’m sorry to hear that your year in Souderton was the worst year of your life. If you are comfortable sharing, I’d like to hear more of that. Obviously you don’t have to write it on this blog. If you prefer you can email me privately at LanceAround@FloridaDreamHomes.com. I’m curious, is the email you gave on this blog your normal one or did you just create it to leave me a message? I would love to hear how you found this blog. It goes through periods of significant traffic and then crickets for awhile. I never know how people find it. Although I do know that many survivors have discovered it by Googling Frank Fimiano’s name where it appears near the top. That’s good news as the word is getting out as to who Frank really is. I know the residents of his community in Henderson, NV found out about him through this blog and, after doing significant due diligence and learning that what is written here is entirely true, they ousted him after 10 years as president of the HOA. Did you know about Frank’s history before you read this blogpost? How did you find out? Thanks so much for reaching out to me (and other survivors) by joining the conversation on this blog. I hope you will write back and help my old memory fill in the details of your year at Souderton and what we said to each other at my father’s funeral. Wish I could remember. In any case, I definitely want to reconnect. It will be a little difficult for me at first. In my mind, you are still that innocent 12 year old who I had the privilege to counsel at Kenbook Bible Camp. There, I was the “adult counselor” and you were a “camper”. Today, we’re both over the hill, middle age men. And that’s a scary thought. Your Friend, LanceAround
May 1, 2020 at 10:49 am
Curt Sisco, I didn’t know you when you were a theater major at Messiah. I did know of you, even saw you in a play. But since I taught math, I knew both of your bros Dave & Mike — Mike especially well because he & Selma were in a Bible study together for resident directors: Mike & Selma RD of Miller; Gene & Emily RD of Hess; Heidi & Paul Reese RD of Hoffman.
I’m at Messiah Village these days. I guess that’s what old folks do. Hard to believe you’re 50 years old! Like LanceAround, I still picture you as frozen in time, young. I was put on to this blog of LanceAround’s by a mutual friend of him & me. I so appreciate what LanceAround is doing here. If you check out my Facebook page at Gene Barry Chase, you’ll see that I founded a Christian ministry called Free, which helps those who are in conflict about their same-sex attractions. Quite a distance from math & computers, ¿n’est c’est pas?
August 27, 2020 at 11:07 pm |
Just having a bad day but sober 11+ years now. When I’m not good I google Frank. Glad to be calling this out.
August 27, 2020 at 11:27 pm |
Great to know when you’re having a bad day you can post here and know you’ll get support, a virtual hug and positive vibes. Call me if you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to yell your frustrations into. Otherwise take it one day at a time and know we’re all with you! Love, LanceAround
August 28, 2020 at 8:18 am |
Elliott I understand your comment about having bad days I do the same and being honest I hope to find his Obituary. Not sure why but it is what I’m thinking. I know when he goes he be going straight to hell.
April 5, 2024 at 1:32 pm |
Today does seem to be that day. Frank has taken his last breath. There is relief though it is mixed, heavy, complicated, filled with anger and sadness. Frustration that we never got to confront Frank, so maybe relief that we never get to confront Frank. Elliot
September 17, 2020 at 3:09 pm |
It is with a very heavy heart that I share with you on Monday 14 September 2020 Gene Chase passed away as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Gene was a very good friend of mine, ever since I went to Messiah College in the late 1970s. I know he also meant a lot to Larry Cronin, who often posts on this thread. Gene has been very supportive of us in our efforts to inform the population of the evil that is Frank Fimiano. Gene lived in Messiah Village–A retirement community–They have only had a couple of COVID-19 cases and, to date, Gene is the only one there to succumb to the virus. Gene, we love you and will miss you dearly! The Entire LanceAround Family.
https://obits.pennlive.com/obituaries/pennlive/obituary.aspx?n=gene-barry-chase&pid=196806520
April 5, 2024 at 1:38 pm |
Dear Friends:
I am sending this email to over 20+ people with whom I have had some communication in the past years regarding Frank Fimiano.
It is with overwhelming emotions that I share with you the rumour that Frank Fimiano died today. This news was emailed to me by one of our friends who lives in the same community where Frank and Diane lived. She passes along these words: ‘God bless you and all those he affected so negatively.”
I have no further details, nor do I have a second confirmation.
If you would like to pass along any thoughts or information to our large community of survivors and their supporters, feel free to email me and I will send your message along. Obviously I can do it anonymously if you prefer.
All of you are in my thoughts today.
Kind Regards,
Lance
April 5, 2024 at 1:50 pm |
Thank you Lance. What heavy news. Frank is dead. Whether you knew Frank through Wissahickon School District, Souderton Brethren in Christ Church (http://www.soudertonbic.org), or through his psychoanalysis practice, he is gone.
Frank has taken his last breath. There is relief though it is mixed, heavy, complicated, filled with anger and sadness. Frustration that we never got to confront Frank, relief that we never get to confront Frank.
May all who suffered be strong, we are not alone.
Elliot
323-646-7196
April 12, 2024 at 3:31 pm
It is certainly not as just as a prison sentence but he did get removed from the HOA presidency and didn’t hold any other offices until his death. And now he’s gone and he can’t hurt anybody else. if you believe in Divine Justice, then I wouldn’t want to be frank fimiano.