Jury Selection Begins In Alleged Pastor Abuse Case
Man Reportedly Sexually Assaulted Woman Seeking Marriage Counseling
POSTED: Tuesday, April 27,
UPDATED: 8:56 am CDT April 27,
2004
HOUSTON -- Jury selection will begin Tuesday for a northeast Harris County pastor accused of sexually assaulting a member of his church.James Eugene Tucker Jr., 51, was arraigned April 19 after being charged with sexually assaulting a member of his church.
The pastor was accused of sexually assaulting a member of the Abundant Life Church, 713 Airtex Drive, in north Harris County, while he was a pastor.Harris County sheriff's investigators said that in late January, a church member in her early 30s told them that she had been sexually assaulted by Tucker in September 1998 while she was undergoing marriage counseling from him.Abundant Life Church officials told News2Houston that Tucker has not been a pastor at the church for the past two months, after 12 years of employment.During his arraignment, about 40 members from his church and other friends showed up to support Tucker."He was my associate pastor, (and) for a number of years (was) youth pastor," said Austin Wilkerson, a pastor at the Northwest Evangelistic Center. "He had a very successful relationship with the church and with the young people -- impeccable."Wilkerson said that he stands behind Tucker."We all make mistakes some time, there's always room for restoration, and help," Wilkerson said."Of course, we're certainly disheartened, and saddened about this situation and what it brings to the body of Christ at large," John Parks, senior pastor at Abundant Life Center, told News2Houston Friday. "(I) just want to see healing brought forth for all concerned."Some church members said that they believe the relationship between Tucker and the woman was consensual.Another court hearing has been set for Tucker on Friday.Tucker remains behind bars at the Harris County Jail. His bond was set at $50,000.Tucker's attorney released the following statement Monday."We believe that there are numerous people who are twisting the facts and turning this into a criminal act when, in fact, it is not. We will let all the facts come out when the case is tried," said John Choate.Investigators said that no other women have come forward with similar allegations.Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit at (713) 967-5743.
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Copyright 2004 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The pastor was accused of sexually assaulting a member of the Abundant Life Church, 713 Airtex Drive, in north Harris County, while he was a pastor.Harris County sheriff's investigators said that in late January, a church member in her early 30s told them that she had been sexually assaulted by Tucker in September 1998 while she was undergoing marriage counseling from him.Abundant Life Church officials told News2Houston that Tucker has not been a pastor at the church for the past two months, after 12 years of employment.During his arraignment, about 40 members from his church and other friends showed up to support Tucker."He was my associate pastor, (and) for a number of years (was) youth pastor," said Austin Wilkerson, a pastor at the Northwest Evangelistic Center. "He had a very successful relationship with the church and with the young people -- impeccable."Wilkerson said that he stands behind Tucker."We all make mistakes some time, there's always room for restoration, and help," Wilkerson said."Of course, we're certainly disheartened, and saddened about this situation and what it brings to the body of Christ at large," John Parks, senior pastor at Abundant Life Center, told News2Houston Friday. "(I) just want to see healing brought forth for all concerned."Some church members said that they believe the relationship between Tucker and the woman was consensual.Another court hearing has been set for Tucker on Friday.Tucker remains behind bars at the Harris County Jail. His bond was set at $50,000.Tucker's attorney released the following statement Monday."We believe that there are numerous people who are twisting the facts and turning this into a criminal act when, in fact, it is not. We will let all the facts come out when the case is tried," said John Choate.Investigators said that no other women have come forward with similar allegations.Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit at (713) 967-5743.
Previous Stories:
April 22, 2004: Pastor Charged With Sexual Assault
Copyright 2004 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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