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	Girl Sues Auburndale Church, Two Men By Rick Rousos The Ledger July 3, 2011 http://www.theledger.com/article/20110702/NEWS/110709890/1338/sitemaps AUBURNDALE | A girl who was sexually assaulted in 2009 by two men she met through an Auburndale church — one a volunteer minister — has sued the church and the two men. Both men are serving state prison sentences. The girl, who was 12 years old at the time, attended Born Again Church of God in Christ in Auburndale, 4071 Dupree Road. She is listed as Jane Doe, a minor. Her mother, listed as Mrs. Doe, is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed June 23 in Circuit Court, said the church was negligent "in failing to provide a safe environment," and providing adequate supervision. The suit said the church negligently hired and trained its agents and employees. Clevon Ghent, the volunteer church minister, was arrested in September 2009 after the girl told police that she had sex with him on three occasions, twice in his home and once in his Lincoln Navigator. Ghent was a friend of the girl's father and had sex with the 12-year-old while babysitting her at his home. Ghent was convicted by a jury last year of three counts of sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced to 30 years in state prison. Gernard Jones, now 20, is Ghent's nephew. He pleaded guilty last year to lewd battery and was sentenced to seven years in state prison. Deputies said Jones was with Ghent and the girl in the Navigator. Both men must serve sexual offender probation after they serve their prison time. Pastor Theadore Hall said he was concerned about the negative publicity directed toward the church. He said none of the sexual abuse happened on church grounds. As for the church improperly scrutinizing volunteers, "how can you ever control someone once they've left the grounds," Hall said. Deputies said their investigation began when the girl told teachers she had been raped by the two men. Contact: rick.rousos@theledger.com
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