By Jennifer Carboni
Daily Local News
September 23, 2011
http://dailylocal.com/articles/2011/09/22/news/police/doc4e7a2be52c3e9527759564.txt
 |
COATESVILLE – A pastor accused of child molestation shared a tearful goodbye with loved ones after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday afternoon.
Homer Richard Clifford Sr., 64, of Coatesville, is accused of molesting a girl between 1995 and 1999, when she was between 5 and 8 years old, according to court records. The alleged victim, now 21, came forward to Coatesville Police with the claims of molestation in July.
Clifford, who was represented by defense attorney Daniel Armstrong of Media, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Gregory Hines. The case will now move up to Chester County Common Pleas Court.
Armstrong has described Clifford as a "lifelong pastor" who was also a truck driver for 25 years. Police said Clifford is the pastor at Crossroads of Faith Baptist Church in the 2900 block of Strasburg Road.
Clifford surrendered to police Sept. 7. Hines set Clifford's bail at $250,000 following the arraignment. Clifford was then transported to Chester County Prison in lieu of bail.
Armstrong requested Wednesday that Clifford's bail be altered to the Bail Agency's recommendation – an unsecured bail. Chester County Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Callahan argued against an unsecured bail because the charges involve the alleged rape of a young child. Callahan said if convicted Clifford could face 15 years in prison, and therefore he may be a flight risk.
Armstrong said Clifford is not a flight risk, because Clifford is a high school graduate, worked as a truck driver up until his arrest, surrendered to police and waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday saving "both the victim and commonwealth" from having to offer testimony.
At that point, the judge took both attorneys and Coatesville Detective Gerald Pawling, the officer who filed the charges, into a private room to discuss bail further.
When the group returned, the judge told Clifford he has two concerns regarding bail.
"One is a concern for the victim, the other is a concern about yourself … as far as issues you may have (in public) because of these charges," Hines said.
Hines said he would not offer an unsecured bail; however, he did alter the bail to 10 percent of $250,000.
Before constables escorted Clifford out of the courtroom, Hines allowed Clifford's wife to approach her husband. The couple shared a hug and kisses on cheeks. Hines then allowed several other family members present – including his children – to say goodbye to Clifford.
Clifford and family members cried while sharing embraces and brief words.
"I love you sweetheart," Clifford said to one family member. "I'll stay strong."
According to court records, the victim alleges that Clifford molested her on multiple occasions, including four times in Clifford's home and twice in his attic. The alleged abuse also occurred when Clifford babysat the alleged victim and her 2-year-old sister at their home, court records state.
Charges include three counts of deviate sexual intercourse, four counts of indecent assault, three counts of rape involving a child under age 13, four counts of corruption of minors as well as one count of endangering the welfare of a child and terroristic threats.
Contact: jcarboni@dailylocal.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.