By Iva Butler
Daily Times
August 14, 2008
http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20080814/NEWS/305765151
Two more victims in the alleged sexual battery and rape cases involving two married youth leaders of a Maryville church have come forward, Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said Wednesday.
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| Painted murals decorate the walls of The Lord's Disciples Ministries of Whosoever Will, 2002 Old Knoxville Pike, where services have been canceled after two youth assistants were charged with sexual battery and statutory rape. Photo by Joy Kimbrough |
Michael "Ace" and Laura Lee "Lori" Salazar. both 35, of Wrights Road, Louisville, were charged Friday with a total of eight counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and statutory rape by an authority figure of three 15-year-old girls in the church, the Lord's Disciples Ministries of Whosoever Will, 2002 Old Knoxville Pike, Maryville.
Ace Salazar was charged with three counts each of sexual battery by an authority figure and statutory rape by an authority figure. His wife was charged with one count of each.
Both suspects remain in the Blount County jail with Michael Salazar's bond set at $300,000 and his wife's at $100,000.
Three girls and their parents were brought to Maryville Police Department Aug. 5 by the church youth pastor. Detectives split the girls up in separate rooms and interviewed them before charging the Salazars.
A fourth girl came forth Aug. 6 with her parents and told police the same story of sexual misconduct by the youth leaders.
Now two more teen girls have come forward.
Crisp said more charges involving the first three girls and additional charges from the other three girls will be taken before the Blount County Grand Jury later in an attempt to get the cases heard in Blount County Circuit Court instead of General Sessions Court.
The Salazars are scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. Friday before Blount County General Sessions Judge David Duggan to answer the initial charges.
A hand-written note on the church door Wednesday said that all services had been canceled until further notice.
"If you attend church here and want further information, call your pastor only," the note continues. "This is because of the media and those who cannot stop talking (gossip). Jesus said all men will give an account for every idle word that comes from their mouth." It is signed by "Pastor Keith," referring to Rev. E. Keith Hodge, senior pastor and president of the church.
Hodge released a statement Monday saying the church was removing the Salazars from their appointments as youth assistants.
Anyone with more information about the case can call the Maryville Police Department at 380-1388.
Originally published: August 14. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: August 13. 2008 10:47PM
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