Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Pastor Ben Johnson charged

Pastor Ben Johnson was charged with third-degree sexual assault for allegedly having sex with an underage girl who attended his church.

The Paragould Daily Press reported Thursday that 26-year-old Ben Johnson faces two counts of third-degree sexual assault. Police were notified after the victim's parents found a text message by their daughter in which she discussed sneaking out to see Johnson. The girl told police that she and Johnson twice had sex in the parsonage at the church. She said Johnson once gave her liquor.

Johnson worked at First United Methodist Church in Paragould.