Saturday, July 19, 2008

If an attacker tries to grab your boob...

I can see it now. Andre Allen, the 23-year pastor of a historic all-black Baptist church in Wheaton, Illinois, saunters AndreAllenup to the ladies in the local health club and offers to teach self-defense. He passes himself off as a heath club employee, his zest for life wins them over. In the process of teaching self-defense Allen cops a feel and does the bump and grind while pinning them to the floor. At his trial he pleads guilty to a lesser charge. It's obvious to everyone that Allen has a problem with the ladies. The man should not be leading a church. Church leadership rightfully calls for his resignation. He refuses. All I can say is, this man is a complete dick.

Two weeks ago, the church cabinet voted 16-3 to request his resignation, but Allen refused.

"This is not the type of activity you would expect from a minister," said Deacon Frank Jarrett. "I mean, that's the obvious. And as a congregation, we just need to address this."

Reached by phone at home Friday, Allen, 54, declined to discuss the case.

Source: Daily Herald | New allegations arise against Wheaton pastor

Every action has it consequences. Allen refused to resign and now another woman has come forward with allegation that Allen inappropriately touched her.

After learning about the pastor's recent troubles, a 44-year-old Carol Stream woman said she felt compelled to come forward with allegations Allen inappropriately touched her in 2001 at his church office. She filed a police report Friday, which was confirmed by Wheaton police.

The married mother of three said the two met by chance while both were waiting in line at a Downers Grove restaurant. Allen told her he was a motivational speaker, she said. The woman said she initiated a business relationship with him in hope of recruiting him for her company. She said they met six to 10 times in his church office during a six-month period. The final time they met, she said he repeatedly grabbed her against her objection under the guise it was to teach her self defense.

Source: New allegations arise against Wheaton pastor

Somehow I think Andre Allen's troubles are just starting.

And this is not the first time around for Allen.

More than 10 years ago, Allen was arrested on similar misdemeanor charges after two women accused him of touching them in a provoking or insulting manner as they worked out at a Holiday Inn in Lisle. Allen was placed on court supervision after being found guilty of one of the misdemeanors. He later had it expunged from his criminal record, but three law enforcement officials involved in the case confirmed the details. A woman at Wheaton Sports Center also complained about two years ago about Allen, but she declined to pursue charges, police said.

How many more victims are there Andre Allen?

The congregation gets a chance to vote him off the island tonight. I'll post the results later.

*** Update ***

Justice is served: Wheaton's Second Baptist Church votes to oust Rev. Allen