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	Prestonwood Pastor Addresses Minister's Sex Scandal By Stephanie Flemmons Plano Courier May 21, 2008 http://www.lewisvilleleader.com/articles/2008/05/21/plano_star-courier/news/20.txt Prestonwood Pastor Jack Graham expressed his apologies to the congregation Saturday regarding the arrest of one of the church ministers for online solicitation of a minor. Graham said the church requested and received the resignation of Joe Barron, the minister under investigation, which took effect immediately. "We experienced a heartbreaking and tragic week," Graham said. "We are appalled by the disgraceful and grievous actions and arrest of one of our ministers. I'm so very sorry for the injury this has been caused to individuals and certainly our testimony in the community." Graham, who was out of the country at the time of Barron's arrest, addressed the church at the beginning of normal worship service upon his return. "We work very hard to earn the trust, the accountability and credibility and the testimony of our church in this community," Graham said. "You can be certain we will always seek the highest level of integrity and Godliness and devotion on our staff and that includes first and foremost those who present themselves as ministers of the bible." Bryan police arrested Barron, 52, Thursday when he attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex. Bryan undercover detectives were chatting with Barron for two weeks. They said the conversations were sexually explicit in nature. Barron asked the "young girl" to skip school and meet him at a predetermined location. Undercover Bryan officers conducted surveillance at the location and placed Barron under arrest upon his arrival. A search of Barron's vehicle yielded a web-cam and headset along with condoms. Bryan officers traveled to Plano to execute a search warrant at his residence. Mike Buster, Prestonwood's executive pastor, said in an updated statement that the church did not have record or knowledge of prior improprieties, or observed any inappropriate behavior in the 18 months Barron served as one of the ministers of married adults. "We are disturbed and saddened by the reports we have received and are praying for the Prestonwood family in this time," Buster said. "We have, and will, fully cooperate with the police in their investigation. This cooperation began when we received notice of this matter. We are shocked and we are grieved, but we look to the Lord even when we don't understand. We intend to take all necessary steps of action in this matter." Graham also believes the church has the strength to overcome "the enemy." "We have taken a hit from the enemy, a huge hit," Graham said. "The scripture is true, Satan is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but I'm certain we will rise above this dark hole and continue to worship." If found guilty Barron could serve two to 20 years in prison, with a fine not to exceed $10,000. Barron posted a $7,000 bond from the Brazos County Jail. Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
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