Baptist preacher's trial for child molestation delayed til mid January

By Diana Lyn Lopez-Mitjavile
Christian Today
January 7, 2015

http://www.christiantoday.com.au/article/baptist.preachers.trial.for.child.molestation.delayed.til.mid.january/19181.htm

Travis R. Smith, a Baptist preacher charged with felony child sex abuse, got a new court date. Instead of having to appear in court during the first week of January at the Moniteau County Court, the accused is scheduled to appear on Jan. 16.

The 44-year-old Smith was arrested in 2012 for child sexual abuse cases that allegedly occurred in 1998, 1999 and 2005. The charges included forcible rape, statutory rape and sexual abuse. The 2005 charge included alleged acts involving sodomy.

This would not be the first time the preacher has faced a judge in court for child molestation charges. He was acquitted back in 2011 for another sex abuse charge involving a minor.

Smith was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol back in October 2014 following an intensive investigation by one division that worked with drug and crime control. The state police had the accused transferred over to the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department.

The communications team leader of the Missouri Baptist Convention Rob Phillips said in an email press release that he is aware of the situation at First Baptist Church and "are in contact with the association's director of missions, who is working closely with the pastor and the church."

"While we respect the independence of the local church and have no direct authority over it, we are deeply grieved by the allegations. We pray that the courts will administer justice fairly and swiftly, and that there will be healing among the wounded church members. We also pray the church members will have the wisdom, grace and courage to act biblically in their dealings with their pastor," Phillips added.

The preacher is facing charges that carry penalties ranging from a year in prison to life imprisonment.