Neighbors Describe Accused Minister As a Family Man

By Leslie Coursey
Actionnewsjax
January 03, 2013

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Neighbors-describe-accused-minister-as-a-family/mgn5grj3HEC3LpRYwQFCdA.cspx

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- David Lawson is a father, a family man, and now, an accused child molester.

"I don't believe it," said his neighbor, George E. Miller.  Lawson worked as a student minister at Christ's Church on Greenland Road.  "He has a family," said Miller.  "He loves his little girl. Got a little 3-year-old girl."

The church wouldn't comment on the case, only telling Action News only that Lawson has been fired as a result of his arrest.  Police say Lawson's victim was just 15 years old. And they say he has confessed to the crime.

"That's a real shocker," said Miller.  "Because he's a great family man as far as I'm concerned."

Lawson was arrested Wednesday after a two-week investigation.  He's charged with four counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.  Police say he has threatened suicide, and has since been Baker Acted at the Duval County Jail.

According to Lawson's Facebook page, he's worked at Christ's Church since 2006.  It says he worked with 5th through 12th graders.  No word if he met the victim at the church.



Contact: lcoursey@ActionNewsJax.com