Police: Pastor Arrested for Sex Acts with Children

By Rob Cottingham
The Item
June 21, 2013

http://www.theitem.com/news/police-pastor-arrested-for-sex-acts-with-children/article_e7591640-daae-11e2-967f-001a4bcf887a.html


Officers of Sumter Police Department have arrested the pastor of WORD International Ministries on Guignard Drive and charged him with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving multiple children.

Larry DuRant, 58, of 2080 Four Bridges Road, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 11 and 14 and four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to the department, detectives had been investigating reports from both victims and their families who told police DuRant allegedly forced the children to participate in various sexual acts. He used his position in the church, according to reports, claiming the occurrences were part of a “healing process” and “private prayer.”

Officials believe there may be more victims and encourage them to come forward.

Anyone with information pertaining to these crimes is asked to call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2717 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC. Callers can remain anonymous.

Contact: rcottingham@theitem.com