WILMINGTON (NC)
WECT
DECEMBER 18, 2004 -- Despite the news of the their pastor's arrest, members of Straightway Ministries say they are standing behind Reverend Jonathan Ballard.
"We love him wholeheartedly and believe in him," says Associate Pastor Scott Holden. Holden and about 20 members of the church came together Friday night to show their support of the minister.
Rev. Ballard was arrested Wednesday at Straightway Ministries, on Highway 421 in New Hanover County.
Rev. Ballard is charged with several sex offenses involving a minor from his congregation. He's being held in the New Hanover County Jail under a $10 million bond. It's an amount his sister Michelle Ballard-Dempsy says is completely unfounded.
The Sheriff's Office says the bond is high because Ballard poses a danger to children.
Posted by kshaw at December 19, 2004 08:23 AM