A prominent self-described spiritual guru, J. Michael Shoemaker, also known as Swami Chetanananda, is at the center of serious allegations involving sexual assault and psychological harm, as revealed by multiple former members of The Movement Center in Portland, Oregon. This center, previously nestled in Portland’s Kerns neighborhood, now faces scrutiny after decades-long accusations surface, marking a disturbing saga of spiritual abuse and manipulation.

Ruth Graham, a former resident of The Movement Center, shared her harrowing experience with KGW, detailing how she was sexually assaulted while living at the facility. The center, once housed in the historic Anna Mann House, became a place of torment for many, transforming from a site of meditation and yoga into a scene of alleged crimes spanning over fifty years. Graham’s account of being drugged and trafficked by a visiting teacher, with additional claims of being groped by Shoemaker himself, underscores a pattern of abuse hidden beneath the guise of spiritual enlightenment.

In recent developments, two women initiated a federal civil lawsuit against Shoemaker, accusing him of grooming, trafficking, and repeatedly sexually assaulting them. These allegations not only shed light on Shoemaker’s purported predatory behavior but also reveal a systemic issue within The Movement Center, where abuse was allegedly commonplace among the community members, many of whom lived and worked there for free.

Jayne Lyons, a mother of one of the victims, described her daughter’s transformation after joining the center, highlighting the psychological manipulation techniques used by Shoemaker, including love-bombing. Her daughter’s dreams of becoming a nurse were shattered as she fell deeper into the control of The Movement Center, eventually leading to her alleged sexual assault and physical harm at the hands of Shoemaker.

Despite the gravity of these accusations, Shoemaker has not faced criminal charges. His attorney stated that Shoemaker would address the claims of consensual relationships at trial, denying the allegations of abuse. The Movement Center, which closed its doors in Portland in 2019, has left behind a legacy tarnished by these disturbing claims, with former members like Thomas Harberts expressing a desire for Shoemaker to face justice.

The lawsuit against Shoemaker is not isolated, with past reports from The Oregonian highlighting similar stories of non-consensual sexual encounters and psychological damage inflicted by Shoemaker on women over decades. Carolyn, another victim who encountered Shoemaker in the early 1970s in Bloomington, Indiana, shared her intention to testify against him, hoping to hold him accountable for his actions.

As the legal battle unfolds, former members have come forward to support the lawsuit, despite the statute of limitations barring their own claims. The community’s efforts to expose Shoemaker’s alleged abuses extend beyond the courtroom, with outreach to law enforcement and the FBI, although there is no current criminal investigation against him in Oregon. The Movement Center’s presence has reportedly shifted to Gold Beach on the southern Oregon Coast, with Shoemaker allegedly continuing his operations under the radar.

The story of The Movement Center in Portland serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for abuse in spiritual communities, where power dynamics and trust can be exploited by those in leadership. As victims and former members rally for accountability, the wider conversation about spiritual abuse and the mechanisms for protecting vulnerable individuals within these communities continues to evolve.

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