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	Update: Former Church Music Director Arrested on More Charges By Ashley Blackstone Today's THV May 6, 2009 http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=84599&catid=2 For the second time in less than two weeks, deputies arrested 56-year-old David Pierce. Originally he faced just one count of sexual indecency with a minor, but Wednesday that number grew to 54 counts. The one alleged victim turned into four. They are all male teens. Each one is or was a member of the youth choir at First Baptist Church in Benton, under the direction of David Pierce. Pierce served at the church for 28 years before being fired last month. "You never truly know somebody," says Karen Ray. She is a fellow church member and Pierce baptized her daughter. Her family even moved across the street from him two years ago because of the friendship they developed. She explains, "We knew that being close to him meant that we would have some good neighbors and people that would look out for us and our family." The alleged crimes reportedly happened at the church and at a cabin in rural Saline County. Sheriff Bruce Pennington says the three latest victims came forward after the initial arrest, and he believes there are more. "We are asking that if there are any other youth that have been involved in this to please come forward," Pennington explains. "There is nothing to be ashamed of. They have done nothing wrong." Investigators say they know that the alleged sexual acts happened over that last three years, but that they may go back even further than that to as many as 15 years. According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Today's THV, Pierce has written two letters to the church. Part of one reads: "I feel that it is important for you to know that while I fully acknowledge the sinfulness and immorality of my past behavior, I did not engage in actual sexual contact with any person." Meantime, church members are relying on faith for healing. Pam Ray says, "We just keep praying for one another praying for the church and praying for Pastor Rick." If convicted, sexual indecency with a minor carries a punishment of one to six years in prison. Pierce is married and has three grown children and several grandchildren. He had been with the church for 28 years and had no criminal history. Pastor Dr. Rick Grant released a statement to Today's THV. It reads, "All I can tell you is that we have cooperated fully with the authorities and will continue to do that. Meanwhile, we are praying for wisdom in our words, strength of courage, and healing for everyone involved. We serve a great God and we refuse to lose sight of that." Click the pdf link to the right to view the arrest report containing details about the alleged crimes. Pierce is out on bond for this second arrest on the original $25,000 bond posted for the first arrest. The sheriff says he does not consider Pierce a flight risk.
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