Trial Continued for Ex-minister Facing Sex Charges

WAPT
November 26, 2012

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A Hinds County Circuit Court judge granted a request Monday to delay the trial of a former Clinton High School choir director and music minister accused of sex crimes.

John Langworthy was the music minister at Morrison Heights Baptist Church before his arrest in September 2011. He is facing an eight-count indictment charging him with sexually molesting five boys ages 10-13 at various locations between 1980-1984, authorities said.

Clinton police charged Langworthy with two counts of gratification of lust and Jackson police filed six charges, authorities said.

Langworthy's trial was set to begin Monday in Hinds County Circuit Court, but was continued after "prolonged negotiations" fell through, said Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride.

Langworthy, who is free from jail on bond, sat in the courtroom but said nothing during Monday's hearing.

Hinds County Circuit Judge Bill Gowan set a Dec. 18 hearing to rule on a motion from Langworthy's attorney that seeks to dismiss the indictment because the statute of limitations has expired.

Langworthy is now set to stand trial Jan. 28. During Monday's hearing, Gowan said he would grant no more continuances.

Langworthy has pleaded not guilty.