Trial Delayed in Jackson Pastor, Sex Case

By Jimmie E. Gates
The Clarion-Ledger
May 22, 2012

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The trial for a pastor accused of coercing a young male church member into a sexual relationship has been delayed.

The lawsuit was filed against the Rev. Kevin Joseph Boyd Sr., senior pastor of The Apostolic Church in Jackson. Boyd also operates a church in New Orleans. The trial was scheduled for this week in Hinds County Circuit Court.

Boyd has vehemently denies the allegations of sex abuse. The Clarion-Ledger does not use the names of persons alleging sexual abuse.

The claims in the lawsuit were similar to allegations leveled against Atlanta mega-church pastor Bishop Eddie Long by four young men. The lawsuit against Long was settled last year.

Winston Thompson, attorney for the man who filed the lawsuit against Boyd, has said his client’s interaction with Boyd began at age 12 in New Orleans, where both were living. Both ended up in Jackson after Hurricane Katrina.

Boyd’s attorney, Carlos, Moore, has said the lawsuit was a copycat of the Long lawsuit and the allegations against Boyd aren’t true.

No new trial date has been set yet. Circuit Judge Tomie Green is presiding over the case.

To comment on this story, call Jimmie E. Gates at (601) 961-7212.