Former Jefferson County Pastor Charged with Sexual Abuse and Sodomy

By Carol Robinson
AL.com
July 8, 2014

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/jefferson_county_nurse_anesthe.html

A former pastor at a Jefferson County church is charged with sexual abuse and sodomy after two adult victims came forward claiming he abused them as children.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office charged the Rev. Jay Strickland, a UAB nurse anesthetist and former administrative pastor at Sharon Heights Baptist Church in Brookside, with two counts of sexual abuse and one count of first degree sodomy.

Strickland is on administrative leave from UAB pending investigation.

Sheriff's Sgt. Jack Self said the investigation was launched in April after a male victim came forward and reported he had been abused by Strickland when he was a child. The victim is now an adult and lives in another state.

The Rev. Jay Strickland

During the investigation, detectives learned of a second victim, a female. She reported being abused as a child as well, Self said. She, too, is now an adult and lives in another state.

Authorities didn't release any additional information, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse. Strickland, of Morris, was arrested on June 5.

He posted $70,000 bond and was released the same day. He is set to have a preliminary hearing on July 17, court records show.

Strickland's LinkedIn profile lists him as a certified registered nurse anesthetist at UAB Hospital, director of medical and security ministry at Sharon Heights Baptist Church and an EMS Officer with the Warrior Fire Department.

Warrior Fire said he served as the department's EMS director of supplies, but is no longer employed there. Sharon Heights Senior Pastor the Rev. Terry Trivette said Strickland is no longer at the church either.

Trivette released this statement to AL.com: "Upon knowledge of the allegations against Mr. Jay Strickland, the necessary legal authorities were notified, and Mr. Strickland was placed upon an indefinite leave of absence from the church. Upon knowledge of Mr. Strickland's arrest, he was formally relieved of his duties and is no longer employed by Sharon Heights Baptist Church."

The law firm of Jaffe and Drennan is representing Strickland. Attorney Richard Jaffe said the allegations against Strickland claim the incidents happened seven or more years ago.

"Jay is deeply distressed and shocked about these unproven allegations,'' Jaffe said. "Jay has resigned from his volunteer leadership position with his former church."

"Unfortunately these charges must and need to be fairly and vigorously tested in a court of law,'' Jaffe said. "Jay has an exemplary background and character and those who know him are extremely upset and equally shocked by these allegations."

Updated at 5:27 p.m. to show Strickland is on leave from UAB.

crobinson@al.com