Accused Buena Vista Pastor's Case Now in Hands of Grand Jury, Investigation Still Open

By Tim Ciesco
WSLS
December 10, 2013

http://www.wsls.com/story/24187302/accused-buena-vista-pastors-case-now-in-hands-of-grand-jury-investigation-still-open


A grand jury will now decide if there is enough evidence to move forward with a criminal trial for a Buena Vista pastor accused of molesting at least two teenage boys.

Larry Clark was in Rockbridge County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court Monday for a preliminary hearing, where a judge found there was sufficient cause for the case to go before a grand jury. They'll decide whether or not to indict Clark on two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and one count of cruelty and injuries to a child.

The charges stem from two separate incidents the alleged victims claim took place back in 2011. According to search warrants, one teenage boy says he was molested in the bathroom of Clark's home. Another says Clark invited him to his house via Facebook and when he went to Clark's house, he too was molested.

Clark was arrested on November 7.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case, a judge kept the hearing closed to the public.

Rockbridge County Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Chris Billias tells WSLS 10 one of the alleged victims did testify during the preliminary hearing. He says at this point, he is aware of two victims, but that the investigation remains open and the CA's office is working to speak with other possible victims.

The Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office brought six additional felony charges against Clark on November 26. Investigators say they're related to incidents they believe happened this year. According to arrest warrants, Clark molested a teenage boy in the church van. A preliminary hearing for those counts will take place in January.