Pastor Aquitted of Sexual Abuse Charge

By Penny L. Pool
The Randolph Leader
November 07, 2012

http://www.therandolphleader.com/news/article_50386d64-28f3-11e2-a26f-001a4bcf887a.html

Friends and family members of Community Life Church Pastor Stephen Dean were elated when a jury found him not guilty last week on the charge he sexually abused a then under 12-year-old child.

Fifth Judicial Circuit Judge Tom Young sternly warned the courtroom twice against any kind of display on either side when the verdict was announced.

There was a muffled sound of joy from family, friends and church members who filled the right side of the courtroom as Dean broke into tears.

His attorney William H. Broome of Anniston in his closing argument told the jurors they had to decide who to believe.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Newsome, who tried the case along with an ADA from Alexander City, Jeremy Duerr, had no comment after the verdict was read. Dean had been facing a minimum sentence of 10 years.

In closing arguments Newsome said the jurors had to decide who to believe.

Testimony was the boy had been close to the family. He often visited them and had spent the night three of four times, including the night he alleged an incident occurred in which he was fondled sexually by Dean.