Former Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse Takes the Stand

By Joan Murray
CBS Miami
April 8, 2014

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/04/08/former-pastor-accused-of-sexual-abuse-takes-the-stand/

Former youth pastor Jeffrey London accused of molesting boys left in his care. (Source: CBS4)

A former youth pastor accused of sexually assaulting young children took the stand on Tuesday.

Jeffrey London, 50, is accused of molesting four boys who are now grown men. He is charged with 27 counts of child abuse.

London took the stand saying helping people is a calling in his life. He went on to talk about the first child he helped save from the streets.

On Monday, defense gave their opening arguments. Two witnesses later took the stand.

The first witness who took the stand worked at the church and said it was impossible for the sexual abuse to happen. The witness argued the alleged victim’s time frames don’t make sense because there would be have been no time to commit the sexual abuse.

The second witness lived in London’s home along with dozens of underage boys. The witness stated that none of the other boys talked about the alleged sexual abuse or told him about it. The witness said that London helped him out with school education and encouraged the boys to better themselves.

Prosecution wrapped up testimony last week.

Prosecutors chose cellular forensics expert Konstantinos Dimitrelos as their final witness. He was hired to analyze London’s phone records.Prosecutors were trying to show that London sent provocative text messages to the alleged victims.

On April 2nd, Clive Lowe who used to live with London took the stand. Lowe, who worked for Metro PCS, told the jury that London questioned him about how long they kept text message records.

Jonna Jones took the stand after Lowe. She attended the charter school where London was dean. She told the jury about the time she was with a fellow student who received a phone call from London and put it on speaker phone. Jones said London told the student to keep it between them what had happened. The student was one of London’s alleged victims.

London’s former wife, Aretha Wimberly, also testified saying that while they were married, she came home to find London in bed with a 16-year old.She said London and the teenager insisted nothing happened. Wimberly said in her opinion London was a father figure to the numerous boys he took in who would otherwise be on the streets.

The rest of London’s accusers also took the stand. Each described how the abuse started when they were young and how London kept them quiet.

“What would he offer you in exchange for sexual abuse,” the prosecutor asked one of the men.

“Chunkies, money, sometimes entertainment, games, clothes,” he replied.

“How much money are we talking about?”

“The most like $300 to $400.”

Several members of London’s family have been in the courtroom. They say the accusers are lying and maintain London is innocent.

London has denied the abuse charges and said he is innocent, adding that his accusers are after money from a civil suit that’s been brought against him.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.