Former Polk Youth Pastor Accused of Sex with Girl, 15

Tampa Tribune
March 10, 2015

http://tbo.com/news/crime/former-polk-youth-pastor-accused-of-sex-with-girl-15-20150310/

Phillip Kendrick II. POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE

A former youth pastor in Lakeland is being held without bond after deputies say he had sex with a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

Deputies say 30-year-old Phillip Kendrick II, of Lakeland, had sex with the girl for two months starting in November 2014, one month after he stopped serving as youth minister at the Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.

According to deputies, the victim met Kendrick — who still attended the church — about four years ago while attending youth group.

Over those four years, the victim told deputies the relationship became more personal, and in October, Kendrick told her that he had “strong feelings” for her.

Detectives determined Kendrick had sex with the victim on three separate occasions, and they traded inappropriate pictures of each other.

Kendrick told deputies he was aware of the victim’s age, and both told deputies the sex was consensual.

Kendrick was booked into the Polk County Jail earlier today.