By Shelby Sebens
Star News
November 6, 2009
http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20091106/ARTICLES/911064001/1155?Title
=Judge-lowers-bond-for-Leland-man-facing-child-sex-abuse-charges
A Brunswick County District Court judge has made it easier for a Leland pastor who was arrested Tuesday on multiple child sex abuse charges to get out of jail.
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| James Johnson faces three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child and one count of attempted first-degree rape of a child according to the sheriff's office. |
District Court Judge Jerry Jolly on Friday reduced James T. Johnson's bond from $250,000 to $100,000, over objections from Assistant District Attorney Meredith Everhart. She argued that if he gets out of jail, pressure on the victim to recant her story would increase.
Johnson, 46, has been charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child and one count of attempted first-degree rape of a child. The victim was in elementary school when the alleged incidents occurred over a three year period, Everhart said. The victim is now 13 years old.
The StarNews does not name victims in sex crime cases.
Approximately 25 church members, friends and family sat in the courtroom for Johnson's hearing, some of them wearing green and white shirts bearing the words Olive Branch. Johnson founded and is the pastor of Olive Branch Church in Leland.
Johnson's lawyer, Robert Epstein, asked all the supporters to stand to show the judge Johnson's support in the community.
He said any bond higher than $100,000 would put a hardship on Johnson and his family's defense case.
"My client very vigorously maintains his innocence," he said.
Everhart had already agreed to a lower bond of $250,000. It could have been $500,000. But when the defense attorney requested an even lower bond, she asked that it be raised to $500,000.
She said the young girl has already been getting pressure from Johnson's family members to recant her story. She told the judge Johnson's release would make that worse.
"That pressure will only intensify," she said.
Johnson has been in Brunswick County for 14 years and married for 23, Epstein said. He added that a foster grandchild, his wife's daughter and his wife's grandson also live in the home.
Johnson's sister, Sonya Genens, said after the hearing the pastor has raised nine children, none of whom were his own.
"I know he's innocent," she said.
When asked why these allegations would be made, she responded: "rebellion, defiance."
But Everhart told the judge that since Johnson's arrest was made public, she has received several calls from other congregations making similar allegations of sexual misconduct.
"I do not believe that this is a one-time offense," she said.
Epstein said there has been no hard evidence in the case and it is Johnson's word against the victim's.
"We can't be held responsible on a hearsay allegation," he said.
Kathy McKnight, wife of the church's associate pastor, said the congregation is supporting him 100 percent.
As of 2:15 p.m., Johnson was still in jail.
Shelby Sebens: 343-2076
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