May 13, 2005

Dallas pastor indicted on indecency charges

DALLAS (TX)
The Dallas Morning News

10:19 PM CDT on Thursday, May 12, 2005

By GRETEL C. KOVACH / The Dallas Morning News

Larry Joe Crocker, a Dallas pastor accused of molesting a boy from his church, was indicted Thursday on two felony charges of indecency with a child by contact.

Mr. Crocker, head minister of Lakeview Christian Church, was arrested March 16 at his Garland home and was released from jail after paying a $20,000 bond and about $1,000 in outstanding traffic tickets.

Mr. Crocker, 56, has denied the charges. His lawyer and regional Disciples of Christ representatives could not be reached for comment Thursday.

A representative of the Lakeview church of about 60 members said the indictments are the starting point in an investigation that will clear Mr. Crocker.

"This is the first step in the process when any kind of allegation occurs," said Brian Cook, a church trustee. "He is innocent."

Posted by kshaw at May 13, 2005 07:29 AM