Mother of Boy Who Accused Ex-abilene Youth Pastor of Sexual Abuse Reacts to His Arrest

By Daniela Ibarra
KTXS-TV
May 12, 2020

https://ktxs.com/news/local/mother-of-son-who-accused-ex-youth-pastor-reacts-20-years-later

ABILENE, Texas — Hours after former Abilene youth pastor Jeffrey Forrest was booked into the Taylor County Jail on Saturday, a mother who claims her son was assaulted by Forrest in the 90's made the decision to come to Abilene.

“I don’t feel like the bars are big enough and the walls are tight enough for him," said Patrice, who asked KTXS not to use her last name to protect her son.

Patrice said she felt compelled to make the four hour trip from Amarillo after learning the man she believes stole her son's innocence was caught after a four year long manhunt.

"We have waited over 20 years," said Patrice. "We are ready for this to be finalized."

Patrice said she filed a report with Abilene police in 1998, saying her then 8-year old son described being sexually abused by Forrest at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

The case was dropped due to a lack of evidence, according to Patrice.

“This has been really hard on our family," said Patrice. "I feel like we were ostracized.”

Jeffrey Winston Forrest (Taylor County Jail/Getty Images)

When Patrice and her family first came forward with the allegations, she said people didn't believe her.

Patrice said what she believes Forrest did to her son, who is now in his 30's, change him forever.

“I lost that little boy," said Patrice. "I don’t have that same son anymore. My son used to be happy, he used to believe in God. Now, unfortunately he doesn’t.”

Patrice is glad Forrest is behind bars, but said she won't feel at peace until he faces his actions in court.

“As far as I’m concerned, he deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail, and his life taken away from him, as he took my son’s life," said Patrice.

KTXS asked the Abilene Police Department if they planned to reopen any cases against Forrest.

An APD spokesperson said they were "preparing to continue the investigation regarding Forrest" and declined further comment.

Forrest is being help at the Taylor County Jail on a $3 million dollar bond and a federal hold which is meant to prevent his release.