TUSCALOOSA (AL)
ABC3340
February 28, 2018
By James Franklin, Emma Simmons, and Jennifer Gonsoulin
A 36-year-old youth pastor is charged with sex abuse of a child under the age of 12 and second degree sodomy, according to Tuscaloosa authorities.
Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit says a 14-year-old told deputies that Christopher Cody Stutts sexually assaulted her over the past 3 years. Investigators found probable cause on Monday and Stutts is now being held on $40,000 bond.
Stutts was a part-time youth minister at Westwood Baptist Church in Birmingham. Church leaders tell ABC 33/40 he was terminated from that position after they learned of his arrest.
Pastor Steve Potts says they are blindsided and are addressing the situation.
“The people you think would never do something like that — may be responsible for things that may be shocking…He was just a very pleasant person, Very friendly. Not over the top. Seemed to have a heart to care for the kids…We saw no hint of this,” said Potts.
Christopher Stutts also passed a criminal background check. He was hired August 2017 as a part-time youth minister. His part-time status came with limited duties. Pastor Steve says Stutts taught youth on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. He and his wife also provided activities for the children.
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