Youth Pastor Faces Sex Charge
WAPT
Clinton police have arrested a 34-year-old church worker who is accused of having sexual contact with a teenage boy. Adam Epperson, who until recently was an employee at Central Hinds Academy and a minister of students at Raymond Road Baptist Church, surrendered to police Tuesday. Police said the boy, who was 14-years-old at the time, knew Epperson through the church. The incident allegedly happened at Epperson's home in Clinton, police said. Jonathan Russell, the pastor at Raymond Road Baptist Church, said the allegations concerned events that occurred two years ago. Russell said he was made aware of the allegations against Epperson on Jan. 31, at which time he contacted the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Russell said Epperson denied the allegations during a meeting with the pastor on Feb. 1. At that time, Epperson was relieved of his duties with pay. Epperson was later asked to resign, which he did on Tuesday, Russell said. Epperson had worked for the church for 11 years, Russell said. "The resignation was not an admission of guilt on the part of the accused. Rather, it was a decision that was made for the best interest of all parties involved," Russell said. "We have and will continue to cooperate with the authorities as they investigate this matter." Epperson was charged with gratification of lust while in a position of trust or authority, police said. "We only have him charged with one count of gratification of lust, but we are investigating others," said Clinton police detective Josh Frazier. Epperson is free on a $25,000 bond and is awaiting a March 12 court hearing. Central Hinds Academy officials said the allegations did not involve the school and declined to comment. They did confirm that Epperson was no longer employed at the school. According to the CHA website, Epperson taught 7th grade Bible class.
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