Action News 5 - Memphis, TennesseePastor accused of raping, impregnating teen

Pastor accused of raping, impregnating teen

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By Jason Miles - bio | email
James Edward Davis, photo courtesy Cross County Sheriff Department. James Edward Davis, photo courtesy Cross County Sheriff Department.
MEMPHIS, TN -

(WMC-TV) – An Arkansas pastor is accused of raping a teenage girl. The alleged victim's cousin in Forrest City claims the girl is now pregnant, possibly with the pastor's baby, but members of his congregation have faith the allegations are untrue.

The news travels fast in tiny Cotton Plant, AR, and it took even less time than normal recently considering the news had to do with 39-year-old pastor James Davis and charges he repeatedly raped a 14-year-old girl.

"I think the world of him and we definitely don't believe he did that," said church member Clara Harston. "I do believe he was wrongfully charged and somebody should tell the young lady the accusations she made against this man - what it really could do to him"

Davis leads the flock at Morning Star Missionary Baptist where the faithful prayed for him Sunday as he sat in the Cross County Jail.

"We kept him up in prayer and everything to let him know we're still waiting on him to come back," said Harston.

Davis was arrested last Thursday after investigators say the alleged victim's middle school counselor called the Arkansas State Police.

The girl told investigators she and the preacher had multiple sexual encounters, including in a remote area near Wynne, AR, and behind a vacant house.

"I don't believe my pastor would do anything like that, and if he did, I'm sorry," said Harston.

Church members believe the accuser will be sorry when accusations are proved untrue.

Meanwhile, they are praying for her too.

Investigators say the alleged victim's mother is also in jail on unrelated charges and that pastor Davis is her ex-boyfriend.

He's due in court on March 8.

Copyright 2012 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.

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