In a statement on Facebook, First Alliance Church, where Hicks formerly pastored, said, “Tom Hicks has not been an attendee here or pastor since the Fall of 2022. It brings great shock, pain, and sadness as we discover what has unfolded this week.”
“This news has been a surprise to us just as it has been to this community and beyond,” the statement continued. “This outrageous & horrible situation is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not what He, God, condones in our lives.”
“We are broken for our community and thankful for the work of the authorities in making Polk County a better place for those we are called to protect and care for,” the statement concluded.
Hicks was pastor of the church from 2009 to 2022 before retiring, according to The Roys Report.
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Hicks is being held without bond. He is set to appear in court on May 26.
