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	Baptist Minister Charged with Abuse of an Adult By Jim Pinson Nashville News August 13, 2007 http://www.nashvillenews.org/index.php/comments/4709/ Dierks – Mack Chambers, 66 of Pine Bluff has been charged with a Class B misdemeanor count for having inappropriate contact with a resident at the Dierks Health and Rehab. The victim is a relative to Chambers. Chambers is the former pastor of Summit Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Chambers had taken a month paid leave of absence from his duties at the church in July, but Sunday, August 5 he resigned immediately. A source in Pine Bluff also stated that Chambers had put his house up for sale sometime last week. Chambers was also the pastor of Olive Street Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff before a split led him to start Summit Baptist Church. Since his arrest, authorities are also investigating whether there was any alleged abuse involved in any of Chambers previous pastorates. When Chambers was arrested by Jefferson County officials, he was taken to the Jefferson County Jail where he posted a $655 cash bond and was released. Chambers is to appear August 23 in Howard County District Court in Nashville where he will have the option of explaining his alleged actions before a district judge. Dierks Health and Rehab Executive Director Jerramy Icenhower contacted Dierks Police Chief Brian White concerning the alleged abuse on May 29. White contacted the Arkansas State Police to help investigate the allegations. Special Agent Hays McWhirter was assigned to conduct the investigation. According the reports, nurses reportedly overheard Chambers making suggestive comments to the relative. McWhirter's affidavit states that the victim's diaper had been torn off and her pajama pants had been pulled down to her knees. The victim was also described as been red-faced and crying. The victim is unable to speak due to a medical condition. The victim was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital where a rape kit was performed, but the results turned up negative. Chambers has been charged with a misdemeanor because the rape kit was negative and the victim is unable to describe the incident. The abuse of an adult is "any purposeful or demeaning act a reasonable person would believe subjects an endangered or impaired person, regardless of age, ability to comprehend, or disability, to ridicule or psychological injury in a manner likely to provoke fear or alarm." An impaired person is a person 18 or older who, as a result of mental or physical impairment, is unable to protect him or herself from abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation. Icenhower stated that Dierks Health and Rehab is committed to excellent care of its residents and staff. "We will protect our residents at all cost," stated Icenhower. Contact: sportseditor@nashvillenews.org
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