BishopAccountability.org
	Brandenburg Pastor Charged with Sex Abuse By Erin Haynes WLKY February 18, 2010 http://www.wlky.com/news/22604637/detail.html [with video] BRANDENBURG, Ky. -- A Brandenburg pastor charged with the spiritual care of his church is now charged with sexual abuse of a minor. A family member came forward alleging years of inappropriate sexual contact by Marion Barnes. Barnes was suspended from his church and charged with several counts of sexual abuse. "These are felony charges, so they are very serious charges, they could carry several years in prison," said Kentucky State Police Trooper Bruce Reeves. The charges stem from allegations of sexual abuse against 57-year-old Barnes. Barnes has been the senior pastor of Glad Tidings Christian Center for the past four years. Church leaders said they're surprised by the allegations. "Our church would like to ask the community to please pray for the church and pray for all of those involved and we want people to know the alleged allegations did not occur on church property," church administrator Terri Karns. According to court documents, a female family member, under 18 at the time, claimed she was routinely sexually abused by Barnes in his Ekron, Ky., home on average one to two times a week for more than three years. The alleged victim told KSP in order to go to the movies or do something, Barnes forced her to watch as he masturbated, while touching her breasts and other private places. The arrest report indicated the most recent alleged incident was reported to have happened on Feb. 8. One week later, the now 18-year-old came forward. Since his arrest Monday, the Kentucky Assemblies of God has suspended Barnes' minister's license, but that will not affect services at the church. "We have many staff that will carry on and services will go on as normal," said Karns. The victim's father said he had no idea this was going on until the teen came forward to police. WLKY left a message at Barnes' home Thursday, but he has not returned our call. Barnes' wife posted his $10,000 full cash bond and he was released Wednesday from the Meade County Detention Center. He has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or any child under 18. He also cannot be in any establishment where children are present.
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