Church Releases Statement Regarding Alleged Assault

By Amy Cowman
WCNC
October 16, 2013

http://www.wcnc.com/news/crime/church-releases-statement-regarding-assault-allegations-228079741.html

"I'm pleased, very pleased; it’s all we've wanted," said attorney Seth Langson.

Langson represents one of the alleged victims who claims Bobby Price, a former Kings Way Baptist church youth minister, molested him.

"He met Bobby Price as a pastor, youth minister and a friendship evolved into sexual abuse," said Langson.

The complaint claims it started when the plaintiff was 12-years-old, and continued until he was 16. The victim came forth when he was 23, and a civil lawsuit was resolved, but before criminal charges were filed in 2011, Price left for Nicaragua.

"I'm very happy he's back, I'd like him to have a trial by a jury of his peers, and let them decide guilty or not guilty," said Langson.

Price's attorney told NBC Charlotte over the phone his client did not flee to Nicaragua to escape the charges, he had mission trips planned already and returned to face the charges.

But the complaint alleges Price's family and church helped support and protect him overseas to avoid facing charges in the States.

Langson says claims the alleged victim was just out for money since he waited so many years, are ridiculous.

"It's extremely hard for a victim to come forward, and that's why they often wait a number of years or decades, and when that happens immediately they're attacked," said Langson.

Price's brother, Rusty, is now head pastor at Kings Way Baptist Church.

Kings Way Baptist Church released the following statement to NBC Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon:

We at King’s Way Baptist Church have received inquires in regards to the recent arrival of Robert Price to Charlotte, NC.

Mr. Price was a former youth pastor and has not been employed neither attended our church for approximately three years. His arrival was a personal decision not related in any way to our church.

As a church we certainly pray for all parties involved and trust our judicial system in the resolution of this situation.

Price is due back in court in November.