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Prestonwood pastor addresses minister’s sex scandal
By Stephanie Flemmons, Staff Writer
Prestonwood Pastor Jack Graham expressed his apologies to the congregation Saturday regarding the arrest of one of the church ministers for online solicitation of a minor.
Graham said the church requested and received the resignation of Joe Barron, the minister under investigation, which took effect immediately.
“We experienced a heartbreaking and tragic week,” Graham said. “We are appalled by the disgraceful and grievous actions and arrest of one of our ministers. I’m so very sorry for the injury this has been caused to individuals and certainly our testimony in the community.”
“We work very hard to earn the trust, the accountability and credibility and the testimony of our church in this community,” Graham said. “You can be certain we will always seek the highest level of integrity and Godliness and devotion on our staff and that includes first and foremost those who present themselves as ministers of the bible.”
Bryan police arrested Barron, 52, Thursday when he attempted to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex.
Bryan undercover detectives were chatting with Barron for two weeks. They said the conversations were sexually explicit in nature.
Barron asked the “young girl” to skip school and meet him at a predetermined location.
Undercover Bryan officers conducted surveillance at the location and placed Barron under arrest upon his arrival.
A search of Barron’s vehicle yielded a web-cam and headset along with condoms.
Bryan officers traveled to Plano to execute a search warrant at his residence.
Mike Buster, Prestonwood’s executive pastor, said in an updated statement that the church did not have record or knowledge of prior improprieties, or observed any inappropriate behavior in the 18 months Barron served as one of the ministers of married adults.
“We are disturbed and saddened by the reports we have received and are praying for the Prestonwood family in this time,” Buster said. “We have, and will, fully cooperate with the police in their investigation. This cooperation began when we received notice of this matter. We are shocked and we are grieved, but we look to the Lord even when we don’t understand. We intend to take all necessary steps of action in this matter.”
Graham also believes the church has the strength to overcome “the enemy.”
“We have taken a hit from the enemy, a huge hit,” Graham said. “The scripture is true, Satan is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, but I’m certain we will rise above this dark hole and continue to worship.”
If found guilty Barron could serve two to 20 years in prison, with a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Barron posted a $7,000 bond from the Brazos County Jail.
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Edward wrote on May 19, 2008 5:40 PM:
" I am surprised at the reaction from the pastor of Prstonwood Baptist Church. What I was expecting to hear was that we love Joe and praying for him and his family. His family is going to need counseling from a christian perspective. His church family needs to support him and his family. He made a huge mistake, there are no perfect people. I think Jack is worried more about the reputation of his church instead of ministering to others, something God called him to do many years ago. There, but for the grace of God, go I. "
Jill wrote on May 19, 2008 7:45 PM:
" I'm so disappointed to hear that Pastor Graham is more concerned about protecting the reputation of his church than the 13 year old that his pastor was having sexually explicit conversations with. "
Dalton wrote on May 20, 2008 1:57 PM:
" I appreciate the comments from both Jill & Edward. Thankfully Jill, this was a sting operation, so there was no actual person/girl involved on that end. Edward makes a good point in that prayers need to be lifted so God's grace may affect the situation. Of course Pastor Graham is concerned with Prestonwood's reputation since God placed that church is in his care, but I know Pastor Grahams greatest concern is for Jesus' church and the negative impact this incident makes. He preaches this on a weekly basis albeit difficult to full discern from a media clip. God has placed His reputation on our collective shoulders, so now is the time to make a difference for Him. "
Vince wrote on May 21, 2008 7:33 AM:
" Well,Well another REPUBLICAN BIG SOUTHERN DUMMY PASTOR with idiot thinking gets caught, now WHUT you Plano idiots think of him now???!!!! Well in my eyes he is a REPUBLICAN CHILD MOLESTER!!!!!!!! "
Dave wrote on May 21, 2008 10:39 AM:
" Pastor Barron should be ashamed of himself. There is no excuse for this type of behavior from any "human". If he was sick, he should have sought treatment. Now, I hope he'll learn all of the "social graces" of prison life over the next 20 years. Maybe they'll allow his "trusty" webcam and condoms to keep him company during his incarceration. In my opinion, they should lock him up for life, and, throw away the key - along with all the other pedophiles. They're the worst of the worst. Chatting on-line with unknown persons is one of the most dangerous things a child can do. Parents take note - I did. "
Cracker wrote on May 21, 2008 7:26 PM:
" Sadly he will be incarcerated with Leroy Tyrone. They likes white boys. He better learn how to dribble a basketball and strip the meat off a neckbone. People that hate Republicans are the reason we have these problems. ACLU
and all these so-called freedom fighters
don't understand the principles of reaping and sowing. Pro-choice is the reason why there are millions fewer taxpayers to pay into social security.
Enjoy your lives on earth, you will spend alot more time on the other side of the grave. There is a God and there is a Hell. "
and all these so-called freedom fighters
don't understand the principles of reaping and sowing. Pro-choice is the reason why there are millions fewer taxpayers to pay into social security.
Enjoy your lives on earth, you will spend alot more time on the other side of the grave. There is a God and there is a Hell. "
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