Youth Leader Monica Rex arrested

A couple of time a year a woman surfaces as a religious sexual predator. We have another case. Monica Rex was arrested for having a sexual relationship with a teen boy who had not yet started high school. She met the boy in a youth group she helped run at the People’s Church of Murfreesboro.

Rex was booked into the Williamson County Jail on Monday morning on charges of sexual battery by an authority figure, aggravated statutory rape, exploitation of a minor by electronic means, solicitation to commit aggravated statutory rape and solicitation to commit sexual battery by an authority figure, according to police.

The church had no clue that the abuse was happening. I cannot find evidence that any reporter asked the hard questions (well, not so hard actually.) Does the church have a policy focused on clergy sexual abuse? Did Monica Rex get a background check? Was she allowed exclusive access to a child? Does the church have a policy about not allowing adults exclusive access to children?

I should develop a standard checklist. Perhaps reporters will develop a habit of asking valuable questions.

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