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	Local Pastor Charged with Sexual Conduct with a Child By Christine Vantimmeren WHEC September 28, 2010 http://www.whec.com/news/stories/s1765334.shtml Investigators call it a disturbing case of sex abuse. A local bishop is accused of molesting one of his church members several times. The details are graphic and police believe there are more victims. Officers say Bishop Joe Flowers from the Walk of Life Christian Center Church had a sexual relationship with a young boy for three years. Investigators say he touched, showered and slept naked in the bed with the victim. The victim in this case is an 11-year-old boy. Flowers is now in custody and is charged with course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree. Flower's family was at the Hall of Justice for his arraignment Tuesday. Flower's allegedly sexually abused the 11-year-old boy two or more times from 2007 to 2010. The prosecution says Flowers used his authority as the pastor of the church where the victim attended to abuse the child. News 10NBC is told the victim would stay at Flowers' home and Flowers would sleep naked with the boy. He also showered with him and touched him inappropriately. Finally the boy came forward to his mom and told her he didn't want to go over to the bishop's home anymore and told his mother about what had happened. Assistant District Attorney Kristy Karle said, "People use that trust, they use that position of authority to gain access to a child. That's how they get parents to allow them access to their child is through that trust." An order of protection has been issued for the child and his family. We asked Karle how often this happened or if there are other victims but she said that she could not comment at this time to the number of occasions but said there were at least two. Karle also said it is possible that other victims may come forward. Flower's is being held on $25,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond in the Monroe county Jail. He is due back in court on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
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