Authorities are investigating sex crimes allegedly committed by youth group members at a church in Southaven, Mississippi. Meanwhile, the church’s youth minister has been arrested for failure to report suspected sex crimes among minors.
Jonathan Colvin, the youth minister at Goodman Oaks Church of Christ, was released from jail on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 3. The charge against Colvin, 38, stems from his obligation as a mandatory reporter of child sexual abuse.
RELATED: Skit Guys End 30-Year Ministry After Eddie James Resigns Over ‘Choices’ Violating Marriage Standards
Youth Minister Was a Mandatory Reporter
Because the investigation into alleged sex crimes within the Goodman Oaks youth group is still underway, authorities aren’t releasing many details. But Matthew Barton, district attorney for DeSoto County, said the case includes multiple counties and possibly even another state.
Barton reinforced the requirements of Mississippi law, saying, “If you’re in a position of trust or authority over kids, you’re a mandatory reporter.” The DA continued, “It’s important to know that we are diligently working with everyone that’s potentially involved to make sure that we get the right outcome.”
Although Barton said the legal process might take a while, he promised that the case “will not be swept under the rug.”
The youth minister of a church in Southaven, Mississippi, has been arrested for failure to report suspected sex crimes among minors.Click to PostNews station FOX13 indicated that a former church member had contacted its newsroom to express concerns about sexual abuse involving the church’s youth group members. Someone also sent the station an anonymous letter about those concerns and questioned how leaders were handling the situation within the church.
