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	Sexual Abuse Charges Lead to Suspension By Millard K Ives Daily Commercial July 8, 2009 http://www.dailycommercial.com/localnews/story/070809centerhill CENTER HILL -- City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to suspend a councilman recently charged with having sexual relationships with two teen members of his church. Jose "Freddie" Coronado, 38, of Center Hill, also a youth pastor with the Church of God of the First Born, will be suspended without his $250 a month pay until the allegations are legally settled, said L. E. Taylor, city attorney. Council members made a motion on the suspension and passed it, above the objections of one audience member -- who didn't want to give her name -- that keeping Coronado on board "made it look bad on the city." However council members pointed out it was only fair that they wait first for the law to finishing dealing with Coronado. "We must protect the interest of the city," said Councilman J.R. Smith. Tuesday's meeting was the first since Coronado was arrested in early June, but there was no discussion of the allegations by members. According to the Sumter County Sheriff's officials, an 18-year-old church member told investigators 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. Sheriff's officials said the first teen initially came to sheriff's officials, complaining of harassing e-mails from the suspect. An investigation into the e-mails led to the molestation allegations and charges. Coronado is being held in the Sumter County jail in lieu of $240,000 bail. Coronado won a special election early this year to fill the remaining term of Bubba Hodge, after he passed away. Taylor said a second special election would likely be held to fill the Coronado's seat if he is removed at least a year before his term ends. Otherwise, the replacement will be appointed.
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