Roane County pastor accused of sexually assaulting 2 juvenile victims

WVLT
November 1, 2016

http://www.local8now.com/content/news/Roane-County-pastor-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-2-juvenile-victims-399385831.html

TEN MILE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- An assistant pastor at a church in Ten Mile is accused of sexually assaulted two minors.

According to reports, two victims ages 17 and 12 were subjected to sexual assault by Hugh McDowell, 62, who served as an assistant pastor at Spoken Words Ministry Church.

The investigation into McDowell started in June when a Department of Children's Services representative told the Roane County Sheriff's Office about multiple reported incidents at Spoken Words Ministry Church that went on for an undetermined amount of time.

Officers were told the last possible alleged sexual incident happened on June 21. The incident report says McDowell threatened the family's lives after he was approached about the alleged attacks.

The family told investigators they feared that McDowell would hurt them if the accusations were reported since he was a former law enforcement officer and first responder in Sweetwater.

McDowell faces several charges including, two counts of Sexual Battery by an authority figure, two counts of Continuous abuse of a child, Aggravated sexual battery and Rape of a Child.
Local 8 News is working to confirm more information about McDowell.