Pastor Accused of Capital Sexual Battery Released on Bond, News4Jax, May 26, 2006

Pastor Accused of Capital Sexual Battery Released on Bond

News4Jax
May 26, 2006

http://www.news4jax.com/news/9281885/detail.html

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The pastor accused of sexually abusing girls more than 30 years ago at a Westside church posted bond Friday.

Eighty-year-old Bob Gray, the former pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, was arrested and charged with capital sexual battery last week when two women came forward, saying Gray molested them while they were children attending a school associated with the church.

Gray appeared in court Friday morning for a hearing. He entered the courtroom using the aide of a walking cane.

Dr. Robert Gray was released on bond Friday afternoon.

Gray's age and physical health were two reasons his lawyer Hank Coxe suggested the judge set bond for the pastor. Coxe also argued that because Gray gave up his passport, the pastor would not be able to leave the country, and that the man was not a threat to the community.

"Each of these alleged allegations were 25-plus years ago, and the fact that Dr. Gray is now 80 years old -- so, I don't think any one can suggest that he's a danger," Coxe told the judge.

The prosecution argued that Gray was not as feeble as he appeared.

"Clearly, Mr. Gray is an elderly gentleman, but he has been traveling to Germany and he is well enough to do that," the prosecutor contested.

After hearing both sides of the case, Judge Henry Davis set Gray's bond at $25,003.

According to jail officials, Gray posted his bond and later left the Duval County Jail in a wheelchair pushed by an officer with Coxe by his side.

"I was shocked at the low bond of $25,003 compared to the serious nature of the crimes," said Sabrina Gouch of the Justice Coalition.

Gouch said Gray's being released on bond was what many of Gray's alleged victims were worried about.

"They were concerned about him getting out and being able to flee," Gouch said. "Hopefully he won't."

An alleged victim told Channel 4 reporter Melanie Lawson that she was shocked, saying that people who sell drugs get higher bonds than Gray received Friday.