Denton County Pastor Posts Bail in Sex Abuse Case

By Megan Gray
Dallas Morning News
May 3, 2013

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/headlines/20130502-denton-county-pastor-posts-bail-in-sex-abuse-case.ece

Jeffrey Williams

The lead pastor at the Church of Corinth has posted bond and is free after spending hours behind bars on suspicion of having sexually abused a girl.

The Rev. Jeffrey Dale Williams, 47, faces a charge of attempted sexual performance of a child, a third-degree felony. According to the arrest affidavit, he tried to persuade a girl, whose age has not been disclosed, to take off her clothes. He was arrested Wednesday.

On Thursday, the church said in a statement that “we have no knowledge of nor any reason to suspect any inappropriate behavior. We intend to and will fully investigate the allegations, and we will fully cooperate with the authorities.”

Church spokesman David Fink said that church leaders will determine if Williams, who has served since 1999, will remain pastor.

State Family and Protective Services officials contacted Corinth police about abuse allegations on April 3. Police Capt. Greg Wilkerson said Wednesday that the incident took place at the victim’s home on March 30. The investigation is continuing.

According to police records, Williams locked a door and put a chair against it before asking the girl to take off her clothes. The incident lasted more than two hours, records state.

A witness gave police audio tapes including the voices of Williams and the girl, the affidavit states.

Calls to Williams’ attorney were not returned.

Third-degree felonies are punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.