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CITY OF CLEARWATER COMMISSION HEARINGS RE:  THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY

EXHIBIT IX:  AFFIDAVIT OF STEVE GARRITANO

I, Steve Garritano, state the following under the pains and penalties of perjury:

1. My introduction to Scientology was in January of 1977, when many representations were made to me concerning the benefits of "auditing" and Scientology. There representations are as follows:

a) raise my IQ;

b) cure diseases and mental illnesses;

c) solve drug problems and other personal problems;

d) stabilize and promote familial harmony and unity;

e) improve study habits and college grades;

f) increase creativity and career potential.

2. The above representations were and are false.

3. Relying upon the above representations, I purchased a "communications course" and was induced to move to the Boston Org.

4. Additional representations were made by the Boston Org concerning benefits of auditing and Scientology similar to those enumerated in paragraph 1 herein.

5. Boston Org members represented that the process of "auditing" would remain confidential.

6. Boston Org members induced me to join staff upon learning that my financial condition prevented me from purchasing "auditing", and represented that as a church member, I would be paid approximately $150.00 per week for services rendered and 1 would receive auditing free.

7. Relying on the above representations, I joined Scientology and provided my time and services for approximately two and one-half years, seven days a week, ten hours per day. I made numerous disclosures concerning the intimate details of my life, which were thereafter fraudulently revealed to third persons.

8. As a church member, I became aware of, and observed a practice designated as "crime culling", where Church members reviewed auditing files and extracted confidential and intimate experiences, and revealed this information to third parties for the purpose of extorting silence, manipulating conduct and depriving legal rights of any person who attempted to leave Scientology.

9. In December of 1979, I left Scientology due to an increasing awareness of the fraudulent misrepresentations made to me.

10. All property in my possession that relates to Scientology, is owned by me and lawfully possessed by me. I have no property in my possession, nor have I given any property to Attorney Michael J. Flynn, or any other person at any time belonging to the Church of Scientology, of which I do not have lawful possession thereof.

[Signed]

Steve Garritano

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