December 15, 2004

Local pastor accused of molesting teens

LOUISVILLE (KY)
WHAS 11

07:11 AM EST on Wednesday, December 15, 2004

A Louisville pastor known for his volunteer work with teenagers will be arraigned Wednesday morning. He's accused of molesting the teens he met through his mentoring work.

Police arrested 25-year-old Isrom Johnson Tuesday and charged him with 16 counts of child sex abuse and sodomy. Detectives say the young minister would meet underprivileged youth through his volunteer programs and would make friends with them.

Detective Rhonda Speaker with the Louisville Metro Police Department said, "(He) then would buy them gifts, take them to his apartment, have them spend the night and things would happen."

The suspect's sister, Lashawnda Johnson said, "He's a man of God. We all go through struggles in life and this is just a test. They always target the ones that's doing good."

Posted by kshaw at December 15, 2004 08:52 AM