“And we intend to recover our good name in this community. Under the counsel of the leadership, we are moving forward with legal action,” Blanchard went on to say. “This matter will be addressed in a court of law.”
Blanchard had previously been accused of the sexual assault of a former assistant in 2018. The survivor pressed charges, though Blanchard was eventually acquitted in 2019.
RELATED: ‘No Excuse Not To Prosecute’ Virginia Pastor Arrested in Sex-Sting Op, Says State Delegate
Amid the accusations and criminal charges against him, Rock Church has continued to support Blanchard.
“We have always believed in John’s innocence,” said Bishop Anne Gimenez, who has served as interim lead pastor in Blanchard’s absence, in October after the charges against Blanchard were dropped. “He has spent the time in fasting and prayer and has invested much time in his family and education. We anticipate his resumption of church duties in the near future.”
ChurchLeaders has reached out to Rock Church for comment and will update this article in the event of their reply.
