Judge Declares Mistrial in Case of Pastor Charged with Sexual Battery

By Ashley Crockett And Mike Suriani
WREG
August 9, 2014

http://wreg.com/2014/08/08/jury-deliberating-case-of-pastor-charged-with-sexual-battery/

Judge James Roberts has declared a mistrial in the case of a pastor charged with felony sexual battery of a girl.

The judge learned the jury took two votes and couldn’t agree, and the jury foreman confirmed they can’t reach a verdict.

Pastor Timothy Nall is accused of sexually abusing the girl between August 1, 2012, and April 28, 2013, when the child was 6 and 7 years old.

The girl, who is now 8 years old, testified Nall inappropriately touched her while at her grandparents house in Alcorn County.

Nall was pastor at the time and is still on the Farmington Baptist payroll, although he’s no longer preaching and plans to leave at the end of this month.

On the stand Thursday, Nall maintained that he’s innocent. His defense attorney argued no one witnessed Nall sexually abuse the child.

The prosecutor described the child as brave and courageous, and her father said, “This has been an emotional roller coaster ride for (my daughter) and the entire family.”

He said earlier Friday afternoon he hoped Nall would be found guilty, registered as a sex offender, and never allowed to preach again.

A former member of Farmington Baptist who has attended the trial all week said the girl’s testimony was emotional, and at least one juror was crying.

A new trial will be scheduled, possibly in late October.