பாப்டிஸ்ட் கிறிஸ்துவ பாதிரியார் ஒரு 13 வயது சிறுமியை பாலுறவு பலாத்காரம் செய்ததாக குற்றச்சாட்டு

பாப்டிஸ்ட் கிறிஸ்துவ பாதிரியார் ஒரு 13 வயது சிறுமியை பாலுறவு பலாத்காரம் செய்ததாக குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

Former deacon accused of raping teen 7:24 AM

07:24 AM EDT on Wednesday, May 16, 2007

By MELISSA MARTIN / WCNC
E-mail Melissa: MMartin@WCNC.com


Former deacon accused or raping teen GASTONIA - A former church deacon is accused of sexually assaulting a teenager.

Gastonia police arrested Paul Kevin Shive, 42, on Monday after allegations he sexually molested a then 13-year-old girl in Gastonia. He is charged with statutory rape, indecent liberties of a child and a crime against nature. Shive is a former deacon at New Hope Baptist Church in Gastonia.

Shive made his first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon and told the judge he understood the charges. He also waived his right to a public defender, having already retained a defense attorney. When asked about the charges, he was silent. The victim’s family was also present in the courtroom.

According to the arrest warrants, the alleged incident took place at Shive's home in November. Gastonia Police say the victim's mother reported the allegations to police on Saturday. Investigators say Shive and the victim's family are friends and go to church together, although they do not think his role in the church had anything to do with the charges.

Reverend Ned Buckner of New Hope Baptist said he is shocked by the allegations and that Shive is the last person in the world he would think would be accused of this. Shive still very involved in the church and is a well respected member of the church. Buckner said the news was like a tornado hitting the church. He said he will be praying for everyone involved.

Police said they are not aware of any other alleged victims, but they are looking into that possibility.

“Naturally anytime someone is charged with a sex offense against a child and they are around children, yes we are concerned,” said Gastonia Police Sergeant Gene Weaver.