Police investigate claims of sexual assault at church

Pastor says former youth minister no longer attending ConnectPoint

Police are investigating allegations of sexual assault involving a former youth minister at a local church.

So far, four females have filed reports at the Forrest City Police Department claiming they were sexually assaulted by a man at ConnectPoint Church in Forrest City, with the most recent allegation being levied in February this year. Some of the reported incidents allegedly occurred over the past several years, and in one case, a teen told police she and the man had sex twice at the church.

At this time, no arrests have been made in this case, according to local police, who added the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division is leading the investigation.

Parents of two of the victims have confirmed their children have been contacted by ASP officials as part of the ongoing investigation.

Forrest City Police Chief Deon Lee encourages others who may have encountered similar sexual assault incidents at the church to come forward and notify officials.

“We are very early into this investigation,” said Lee. “People are still coming in to file reports, and we encourage others who may have encountered similar situations to also come forward.”

The youngest victim, age 11, told police, according to the report, that she was inappropriately touched by the man at the church during a youth talent show being performed in front of the congregation in February.

The others, whose ages now range from 17 to 20, separately filed reports at the FCPD claiming the man touched them inappropriately when they were younger, with one victim saying she and the man exchanged text that were sexual in nature and had sex at the church on separate occasions.

The church’s pastor, Allen Calvert, said after learning of the man’s text with the girl over a year ago, he notified the church board and contacted authorities. However, he said in a recent interview that he was unaware of the girl’s claims the she and the subject had sex inside the church.

“Two cases came to us as a church, and as a church, we tried to help every person involved,” said Calvert. “When the first incident was brought to the church, we reported it immediately through the Child Abuse Hotline, the sheriff’s department and the prosecuting attorney. We, as a church board, reported it.

“The first time we were notified, the girl was considered the pursuer,” Calvert continued. “The first allegation was that he shouldn’t have been in a conversation with the little girl. She said there was a picture, but he gave his phone to authorities and they could not find one. We told him at that time that you cannot be involved with the youth because you did not tell us this girl was texting you. We have done everything as a church we can do legally and hope everything goes well.”

Two victims, now ages 18 and 20, told police they were allegedly assaulted by the man when they were younger, with one claiming the abuse had been taking place for several years.

In one police report, the person filing it said Calvert reportedly told her that the subject accused of the abuse was “quitting the church” and if anyone asked to “tell them to pray for them and that we didn’t know anything.”

(Continued from Page 1) Calvert told the Times-Herald the subject had been on the “church’s radar,” since the first allegations were made, but that he was allowed to continue working there.

“He was removed from anything to do with the youth about a year and a half ago,” said Calvert. “He felt a calling to preach when he was younger and tried to get licensed as a minister. We tried to make him accountable and teach him it’s not okay to carry on a conversation without your wife and/or another woman there.”

Calvert said the suspect quit the church about two weeks ago, after the most recent allegation came to light.

“It was a family night event talent show where people come together and sing. He supposedly walked up to her and grabbed her waist,” said Calvert.

Forrest City Attorney Mike Easley issued a statement on behalf of the church, saying, “Our church officials have conferred with law enforcement, and even with an attorney in the prosecuting attorney’s office. After those meetings, we are told that we have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

Calvert said in all instances where abuse claims have been levied, the girls and their families are no longer attending ConnectPoint Church. One parent told the Times-Herald this morning she is expecting to receive a letter from the church telling her family not to return to services there.

“Ninety percent of these accusations happened over a year and a half ago,” said Calvert. “He is no longer a member of the church, and I pray for him. We will work with authorities in any way possible. We are not withholding any information. I want the best for the kids, and if he’s innocent, I want him to be better,” Calvert added. “As pastor of the church, I say I am here to help get you to heaven.”