David Pierce Granted Parole after Sex Abuse Conviction

By Lindsey Tugman
KTHV
January 31, 2012

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/193344/2/David-Pierce-granted-parole-after-sex-abuse-conviction

David Pierce

A Benton music minister convicted of sexually abusing children is granted parole, but with stipulations.

David Pierce has to seek residency outside the state and if he ever returns to Arkansas he cannot live within 50 miles of Saline County.

At this time it is unknown when he'll be released. Again, he must first find housing outside the state and then that state must accept him under their parole program.

Pierce's offense was non-discretionary and his parole could not be denied, only deferred contingent upon completion of a course of action.

Pierce had been the choir minister at First Baptist Church in Benton for 28 years.

Authorities say in April of 2009 a teenager's family contacted the church about the misconduct. The complaint then went from DHS to the State Police Crimes Against Children and then to the Saline County Sheriff's Dept.

Sheriff Bruce Pennington says they heard complaints from several teens about Pierce's misconduct.