Farmersville Church Member Accused Of Sexual Abuse, by Stephanie Lucero, CBS 11 [Farmersville], April 25, 2007

Farmersville Church Member Accused Of Sexual Abuse

By Stephanie Lucero
CBS 11 [Farmersville]
April 25, 2007

http://cbs11tv.com/topstories/local_story_115200952.html

A Farmersville man may have used a local church to meet people he is accused of sexually abusing.

After allegations and an investigation a Collin County grand jury has indicted local businessman James Souder. The 42-year-old refused requests from CBS 11 News for an interview.

Souder has been in the Collin County Detention Center since his arrest in February and some Farmersville residents say they don't want him back in their town.

Souder's mug shot picture is very different from his loan officer photo on an advertisement for Archway Lending – he was an entrepreneur who made his living in real estate and computer technology.

Officials at the First Baptist Church say Souder wasn't married and had no children.

Some local residents say Souder met his three teenage victims at a local church. The suspect came to the town four years ago, joined the church choir, and attended men's bible study there.

An indictment against Souder says he committed numerous sex acts with children – the victim's all being teenage boys.

"It's surprising, and people think twice whenever, whenever you see strangers now," said Chris Calverly, Farmersville resident.

According to some Farmersville resident Souder always seemed peculiar because he was always seen with teen boys. "He always had a young man with him, but I always thought it might have been his son," Calverly said.

Officials say Souder's actions did not involve any church staff and did not take place on church premises.

Souder faces three felony charges of sexual performance of a child, sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by exposure. Souder is being held in the Collin County Detention Center on a $1,050,000 bond.

First Baptist Church of Farmersville issued a statement that said, in part - "The church wants to extend its sympathy and support to any victim s) and encourages any and all individuals to speak out regarding any information that they may have to assist in the investigation of these alleged crimes."