Metro Area Youth Pastor Arrested on Gratification Charges

The Clarion-Ledger
February 25, 2014

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20140213/NEWS/302120059/Metro-area-youth-pastor-arrested-gratification-charges-UPDATE-


A Central Hinds Academy and Raymond Road Baptist Church employee was arrested Tuesday on one count of gratification of lust while in a position of trust or authority.

In a release on Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Mike Warren said Adam Epperson, 34, of Clinton, was arrested on the charges and bonded out on $25,000 bond the same day.

Officials said the arrest was subsequent to a complaint received from an underaged male victim who came to police with a parent. According to Clinton Detective Josh Frazier, the victim associated with Epperson through both the church and the school.

The incident occurred about two years ago, when the victim was 14 years old, Frazier said.

Pastor Jonathan Russell said in a statement that he found out about the allegations on Jan. 31, at which point he reported them to the Department of Human Services. He met with Epperson the next day, and Epperson denied the allegations.

“It became apparent that the investigation was going to take some time. After further discussion with the staff member, we determined that it would be in the best interest of the church and all parties involved if the staff member were to resign from his position at our church,” Russell said in a statement.

Epperson resigned from the church on Feb. 11, effective immediately.

“The resignation was not an admission of guilt on the part of the accused,” Russell continued. “Rather, it was a decision that was made for the best interest of all parties involved. We have and will continue to cooperate with the authorities as they investigate this matter.”

Russell said Epperson, an 11-year-employee of the church, never gave any indication that he would have been involved in anything illicit with those in his care.

Central Hinds Academy officials have not returned a message requesting comment, but told WAPT the allegations did not involve the school and declined to comment. The station reports that Epperson is no longer employed at the school, where he taught Bible and psychology classes.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at Epperson’s home in Clinton. Epperson surrendered to the Clinton police on Tuesday where he was booked and bonded out.

Epperson's first court date is March 12.

At this point it’s unclear if there could end up being additional complainants. Frazier said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“After we’re through investigating, we’ll present it to the grand jury for indictment,” Frazier said.