Kevil youth pastor charged with rape

By Christi Reynard
KFVS
March 11, 2015

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/28378195/youth-pastor-charged-with-rape

Michael Parsons

Milburn Chapel

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - A McCracken County youth pastor accused of inappropriate relations with one of the youth students at the church pleaded not guilty Wednesday to rape charges.

Michael E. Parsons, 44, of Kevil has been charged with rape.

McCracken County Sheriff's deputies arrested Parsons on March 10 shortly after opening their investigation. Deputies say he confessed.

He pleaded not guilty during a video arraignment on Wednesday.

Investigators say Parsons is a youth minister at Milburn Chapel, and that his relationship with the girl began in the spring of 2013 and continued through 2014. 

Deputies say the victim was 16 years old when their sexual encounters began, and some of those encounters happened during youth group meetings. Investigators say they uncovered other incidents that allegedly happened at Parson's home and when he gave the girl a ride home from church events. Deputies also say Parsons sent and received explicit pictures and videos via text messages with the teen.

Parsons is charged with two counts of rape third degree and 22 counts of electronic solicitation of a minor for sex or other illegal activities. More charges are expected to be filed.

A preliminary hearing has been set for March 17 at 1 p.m. His bond was set at $50,000 cash.

If he does get out on bond, Parsons must obey the following conditions of no alcohol or drugs, no contact with victim or witnesses, stay away from residence victim may be at, no weapons, no internet, and no social media.
He was taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.