STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — A Stanly County pastor is facing charges after investigators said he failed to report crimes against children.
The Stanly County Sheriff's Office says an investigation began on May 30 for a string of sexual assault allegations involving minors that spanned over several years.
Kenny Parker, the pastor of Straitway Baptist Church in Albemarle, was charged with three counts of failing to report crimes against juveniles. Parker is also the chief administrator of the church's school, according to state records.
WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker spoke to a man who grew up going to that church and also went to school there. His name is Kenny - he did not want us to use his last name. He said he was fearful of retaliation from church leadership and the congregation.
“He pumped so much fear in you, and he was so controlling," Kenny said. “He didn’t want any type of public spotlight on the place. You feel like if you went to the authorities you’d be punished even harder.”
Kenny said when the arrests became public, he wasn't surprised. He said he had been reflecting on his time at the church.
“I’ve talked to some of the parents and they told me that their kids came to them and got touched by so and so and they try to go to the pastor. He swept it under the rug and said, "Well I dealt with that person and you don’t need to worry about it,'" Kenny said.
WCNC Charlotte's Austin Walker went to the church and no one was there. Walker also called the number listed and spoke to someone inside. He said he had nothing to add or say.
Investigators did not release any further information on this case. An investigation of this incident is ongoing. Parker was released on a $5,000 bond. His next court date is Sept. 25.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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