Hazel Green Children's Minister Charged with Child Sex Abuse

By Hazel Green
WSFA
December 16, 2016

http://www.wsfa.com/story/34074001/hazel-green-youth-pastor-arrested-for-child-sex-abuse

James Vernon McNeal (Source: Metro Jail)

A Madison County children's minister is charged with the sexual abuse of a child less than 12-years-old.

James Vernon McNeal, 39, was arrested on Thursday.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office confirms McNeal was the children's pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church Hazel Green.

The church confirms McNeal was employed for six years and has since been fired.

A prayer service is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.

Investigators report there is one victim at this time. The exact age of the child has not been released.

It's not clear where the alleged crime took place.