ANN ARBOR (MI)
ClickOnDetroit.com
POSTED: 3:28 pm EST March 1, 2005
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A former Baptist minister in Washtenaw County has pleaded guilty to sex charges.
James Southward, 63, was pastor of Faithway Baptist Church in Ypsilanti Township. He is accused of soliciting a 14-year-old girl over the Internet.
Michigan State Police said Southward (pictured, left) made phone calls to an Arizona teenager who previously belonged to his congregation.
Investigators posed online as the 14-year-old in a chat with Southward. Police said the conversation turned sexual and the minister allegedly tried to set up a meeting with the girl.
Police said Southward never had sexual contact with the girl.
Posted by kshaw at March 1, 2005 02:53 PM