Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Youth Pastor Jermel Manns arrested

JermelManns A convicted Illinois sex offender found work as a youth pastor in his uncle’s Cocoa, Florida church. Jermel Manns was using the name Jermel Beckford while working with the church’s children. His youth group called him Pastor J. He was arrested for sexting a teenager from his youth group. His uncle claims no knowledge of Jermel’s past conviction for molesting a teenage boy.

The senior pastor at the church, and Jermel's uncle, Errol Beckford, said he knew nothing of his past and was stunned to hear of his arrest.

“I says, what? Are you kidding me? He was a good pastor. He had 75 kids here. He built it up and they loved him," Beckford said.

If Errol Beckford knew nothing of Jermel’s past, then why did he let an adult male assume a new identity when working at the church? I think it’s possible that uncle Errol knew what his nephew hid in his past. It’s actually a reasonable explanation. Of course, I doubt the pastor would admit it because that would make him at least partially responsible for Jermel’s crimes.   Pastor Erro Manns is obligated to protect his congregation’s children from sexual predators. I’m betting there was no background check.

The church involved is the Celebration Tabernacle Church in Cocoa, Florida.

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Baconsbud's avatar - Go to profile

Baconsbud 96p · 772 weeks ago

I can believe that the uncle didn't know about his crimes. If you are sure a family member doesn't know something about you, would you use that knowledge to your advantage? I figure most people who are criminals would say yes.

This is why background checks should be part of all churches polices. It is way to easy to hide the truth when people don't check to insure the truth is told.
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rhassani 1p · 772 weeks ago

I agree with the previous comment, background checks should be part of all churches policies--whether it be for volunteers or clergy members.

Churches are a place of trust--and vulnerability. It is up to the church to run employment screenings (and volunteer screenings) when putting applicants in a position that deals with children. In fact, the Volunteers for Children Act (Public Law 105-251) holds organizations liable if a volunteer sexually molests a child, elderly person or individual with a disability in his or her care if they've previously been convicted of a relevant crime in the US.

To read a blog post about conducting background checks on volunteers in the church, go to:
http://hire4integrity.premieress.com/blog-0/bid/3...
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TDWP21 · 771 weeks ago

I can't beleive this happened. Jermel was our families best friend and he NEVER did anything like this around us. He was just a great guy. Ill admit i went and stayed all night with him in his apartment. He didnt do anything to me, nor hint toward anything sexual. Its really hard seeing him in cuffs and a suicide prevention gown on.
1 reply · active 770 weeks ago
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Joe's avatar

Joe · 770 weeks ago

I went to high school with Jermel and he was a great person. He was always positive, friendly and an A student. I never saw any of this behavior in school with him for many years. I'm sad to see this happen to him.
3 replies · active 769 weeks ago
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Victim1 · 765 weeks ago

I am a young man in Illinois who regularly saw Jermel Manns as my youth minister in the years 1996 to 1999. In September of 1998, I was a victim of Jermel Manns and did not step up and report him. I was only 15 years old and did not know how to respond to this situation, especially with someone in a position of authorities. The saddest thing is, however, I know of several others who were also abused by Jermel and none of us stood up. As an adult, I have hid this abuse mostly. I only recently told my parents about what happened when I was still just a young teenager. At the very least, Jermel Manns needs to be locked up for the rest of his life so he can never hurt anyone again.
15 replies · active 678 weeks ago
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lito danong · 764 weeks ago

Times and situation like this we should not quick to judge and give negative comments but instead be wise and prayerful..Every human being were created by God as precious in his sight only the devil came to steal,to destroy and and kill if he can...I'm not religious I just love the Lord.
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shortyblueeye · 762 weeks ago

I Know Pastor Erroll and I have on a few occasions met Jamal. Pastor Erroll and Kim are kind harded, they take anyone into there home with no questions ask. The more you show interest in god and faith for the church ...the more they give. So I can tell you first hand. Unless he told them from the start, I very much doubt anyone would expect it. When I met him he talked about his possible move and how he had so much going for him. Never would I even think he would do anything like that! I'm am so surprised and disappointed. And dor those of you who changed there minds about Pastor Erroll Church (celebration tabernacle) understand this.... That church is judgement free and i know they will do there best to prevent this in the furute. I wish I didnt live so far. That church changed my prospective on christianity.

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