Additional Sex Offense Charges for Former Youth Pastor
By Shavonne Walker
Rowan authorities have filed additional charges against former Kannapolis youth pastor Benjamin Ross Hollifield. Hollifield, 25, of the 1000 block of Buck Board Lane, Salisbury, was jailed on a $1 million bond following his arrest a week ago. Investigators and church officials say these incidents occurred between Feb. 15 and March 8 involving a young girl whose family attends the church. On Thursday, investigators charged Hollifield with felony first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was charged last week with four counts of felony indecent liberties with a child and 10 counts of felony statutory rape or sex offense with a minor. A warrant said Hollifield encouraged a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity by sending a photo of the young person’s private parts to Hollifield. The warrant said the incident occurred Feb. 8. Hollifield received an added $10,000 secured bond. Piedmont Baptist Church in Kannapolis released a statement on its website saying Hollifield was fired and the “one known victim and their family are valued members of our church, and we are praying for and ministering to them during this difficult time. We would ask that you please respect their privacy.” Church officials added they screen anyone who works with children and “Piedmont Baptist Church reports all matters of potential child abuse to the authorities, as was done in this case by our senior pastor.” Church officials also said they’ve cooperated with law enforcement. Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253. Contact: shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
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