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	Sumter Town Wrestles with Councilmember Accused of Sex Crime By Millard K. Ives Daily Commercial June 14, 2009 http://www.dailycommercial.com/localnews/story/061409Center-Hill CENTER HILL -- City Council will try to determine at next month's regular meeting what to do about a member recently jailed on accusations he had sexual relationships with two teen members of his church. Jose Alfredo Coronado, 38, of Center Hill, and a youth pastor with the Church of God of the First Born, was arrested initially on four counts of sexual battery early this month. An 18-year-old member told Sumter County Sheriff's officials the two had been sexually involved while he was between the ages of 12 and 14. Additional charges were filed on the short-time councilman after a second teen church member made similar allegations. Coronado was charged with eight counts of sexual battery. He is being held in the Sumter County jail in lieu of $240,000 bail. Center Hill Mayor Ralph Barry said the council is currently trying to request Coronado's resignation and will discuss those attempts and his seat during its July 7 meeting. Barry said on Friday that their city's lawyer is currently trying to contact Coronado. "It's always disappointing when something like this happens," said Barry. "We just have to pick up the pieces and move forward." Barry said there is nothing in the city's charter that requires specific actions when a council member is arrested or convicted. Coronado won a special election early this year to fill the remaining term of Councilman Bubba Hodge, after he passed away. Barry said a second special election would likely be held to fill the seat - if he is removed or steps down. Sheriff's office officials said the first teen initially came to sheriff's officials, complaining of harassing emails from the suspect. An investigation led to the molestation allegations and charges.
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