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	Plaintiff Links Bishop Long to Memphis By Lauren Johnson My Fox Memphis September 23, 2010 http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/local/092210-plaintiff-links-bishop-long-to-memphis MEMPHIS, Tenn. - There could be a Memphis connection to an Atlanta pastor facing allegations of sexual abuse. One of the men suing Bishop Eddie Long is alleging that he spent time with Long here in Memphis. Three men have filed separate lawsuits against Atlanta Bishop Eddie Long and his mega-church, New Birth Missionary Baptist. One plaintiff, Anthony Flagg, alleges in his lawsuit that he spent some time with Long here in memphis. According to attorney B.J. Bernstein, "He goes with him to the Peabody Hotel and once again shares a hotel room on a private plane; but the thing is where the bishop would make a mistake perhaps sometimes, is the bishop would fly him back commercially." Atlanta-based attorney B.J. Bernstein is representing all three men. She said Flagg, now 21 years old, traveled with Long on several out of town trips. "They just wanted to be loved, cared for by one of the most powerful, charismatic man that churches have ever known," said Bernstein. The lawsuit alleges Long engaged in sexual massages from and to the then-teenage boy. It goes on to say during the overnight trips, Long shared a bedroom and engaged in intimate sexual contact, including kissing, massaging, masturbating, and oral sex. "It's one thing to counsel or be around young men and be a mentor for them, but you don't take them on 5, 10, 15, 20 or more trips around the country." Memphis Pastor Bill Adkins knows Long personally. "I know nothing but good about him and of him," Adkins said. But Adkins said while we don't know the validity of the allegations yet, but what we do know is the ripple effect it has on the spiritual community nationwide. "We all take a blow," said Adkins. "Here in Memphis we take a blow because people have a reaction to the violation of trust that is so sacred; we're caring for the souls of people." One Memphian said she pities the Atlanta pastor who could be crucified prematurely, in light of all the media attention. "I do think people can jump to conclusions." The attorney said she expects more young men to come forward. Bernstein said she has heard from several others, but is still investigating; there could be as many as 40 victims.
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