DOYLESTOWN, PA – Sauder Schelkopf continues its civil investigation and class action lawsuit in response to recent developments in the criminal case involving Jonathan Elliot Moyer, a former counselor and program director at Empower Life Coaching & Counseling. Law enforcement officials allege that Moyer used covert surveillance devices to secretly record patients and staff in the Quakertown counseling office, located at 523 W. Broad Street.
On June 4, 2025, Moyer waived his preliminary hearing and is scheduled for formal arraignment on June 30 in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Investigators say they have identified 21 alleged victims, including minors, who were recorded without their knowledge either while using the bathroom or during counseling sessions.
Authorities allege that Moyer used USB charging blocks and other covert devices to record individuals at the Quakertown office. Search warrants executed at his Alburtis residence and both Empower offices in Quakertown and Bally led to the seizure of multiple hidden cameras and micro-SD cards. Detectives from Bucks County, along with the Quakertown Police Department, Berks County Detectives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and other agencies, are continuing the investigation.
Sauder Schelkopf’s Ongoing Civil Action
In parallel to the criminal proceedings, Sauder Schelkopf has filed a civil class action lawsuit against Jonathan Moyer and Empower Life Coaching & Counseling, asserting claims related to invasion of privacy, negligence, emotional distress, and violations of Pennsylvania’s consumer protection laws. The firm represents individuals who may have been secretly recorded while receiving care at the Quakertown location.
“This case involves disturbing allegations of betrayal in a place that was supposed to offer support and healing,” said Joe Sauder. “We are committed to seeking justice for those whose trust was violated.”
Contact Sauder Schelkopf
Individuals who visited Empower’s Quakertown office and are concerned they may have been affected are encouraged to contact Sauder Schelkopf for a free and confidential consultation.
Notable Achievements:
- University of Southern California (USC) Settlement: The firm, in collaboration with co-counsel, secured a historic $215 million settlement on behalf of female patients of Dr. George Tyndall, a USC gynecologist accused of sexual misconduct since the 1990s. This settlement is among the largest in sex abuse cases and includes provisions for systemic changes in reporting and investigating sexual abuse on campus.
- Ohio State University (OSU) Litigation: Representing former students and athletes, Sauder Schelkopf is involved in litigation concerning sexual misconduct by Dr. Richard Strauss, a former OSU doctor. In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear OSU’s appeal, allowing the case to proceed to trial.
- As of January 2025, Ohio State University has paid approximately $40.9 million to settle lawsuits from 162 men who alleged sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, a former team doctor.
- In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear OSU’s appeal, allowing lawsuits brought by alleged sexual abuse victims of Dr. Strauss to proceed.
- As of October 2023, five lawsuits involving 236 men remained pending.
- University of Michigan Settlement: The firm achieved a class action settlement against the University of Michigan, resulting in landmark institutional reforms addressing on-campus sexual misconduct.
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Lawsuit: Sauder Schelkopf filed a lawsuit against Devereux, alleging sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of children in their care. The firm is seeking compensatory and other damages for the victims.
- Glen Mills Schools Abuse Lawsuit: The firm is representing former students of The Glen Mills Schools, a now-closed detention center, in a class action lawsuit seeking damages for physical and sexual abuse suffered during their time there.
Through these and other cases, Sauder Schelkopf has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, achieving substantial financial settlements, and driving meaningful changes within institutions to prevent future misconduct.