Special agents have conducted an investigation into activities centered on a pastor. The pastor of a Tennessee church now faces a number of charges related to activities with minors. The child sexual abuse charges filed against the man involve two minors under the age of 13.
The accused pastor is a 59-year-old man. The investigation kicked off after there was a complaint of sexual assault leveled against him. The man is accused of having sexual contact with the two victims in April, although specifics about the alleged conduct were not reported.
The pastor is also reported to work for the city of Bristol, Tennessee. The grand jury involved in this case has returned indictments that charge the man with six counts of aggravated sexual battery and three counts of rape of a child. The pastor turned himself into police and was booked in the county jail; his bond was set at $100,000.
Charges of this nature and any charges related to child sexual abuse can impact a person's career and reputation along with that person's freedom. Any child sexual assault or rape charge can be difficult to deal with in the criminal court system of Tennessee and may be distressing for all parties involved. Because these cases can involve testimony or interviews with minors and can have extremely serious consequence for the accused, having a skilled and experienced attorney investigate and decide the best course of action may be the most beneficial way to face and defend against such serious charges.
Source: wjhl.com, "TBI: Sullivan Co. grand jury indicts Bristol pastor on child rape charges", April 28, 2016