Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has charged a “local religious leader” with failing to report crimes against juveniles.
On May 30, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office began investigating a string of sexual assault allegations involving minors that spanned over several years, the Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook Tuesday morning.
The Sheriff’s Office said Kenny Parker has been charged with three counts of failing to report crimes against juveniles.
“The preacher was told by several parents about the incidents that were going on, that’s the reason why he was charged with what he was charged with,” Sheriff Jeff Crisco said.
Crisco confirmed Parker had been a pastor with Straitway Baptist Church in Albemarle, however, he did not know if that was still the case.
This investigation is ongoing, the Sheriff’s Office said. Multiple victims are involved, Crisco said.
Parker received a $5,000 unsecured bond. He has an initial court date of Sept. 9.