One of two assault charges against a Texas pastor has been dropped. Dr. Ronnie Goines of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington still faces a charge of indecent assault.
Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of sex abuse, which some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing.
The charges stem from allegations made by a woman with whom Goines allegedly had two encounters, which are said to have occurred in 2023. Goines was arrested in July 2024 and charged with indecent assault and sexual assault.
The charge of sexual assault has now been dropped.
An investigation into allegations against Goines began after “an adult woman made an outcry that was reported to the department” the month previous. The woman alleged that Goines had made unwanted sexual advances, trying to kiss and touch her and even pulling down her shirt.
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After being charged, Goines was released on a $23,000 bond.
Although Koinonia Christian Church named James Ray Taylor as its interim pastor following Goines’ arrest, Taylor abruptly resigned in October, and Goines returned to his leadership role.
The alleged victim is also suing Goines for alleged sexual abuse, as well as Koinonia Christian Church for allegedly failing to take action against Goines following the assaults. She is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
In the lawsuit, the alleged victim claims that she began attending Koinonia Christian Church in 2022 and that at that time, Goines reassured her that the church was “a safe place.”
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“Plaintiff was unaware that, while Goines was reassuring her that she was in a safe environment with trustworthy individuals, he was in fact grooming her and would eventually sexually victimize her,” the lawsuit reads.
