Southern Pines Priest, Man Face Misdemeanor Indecency Charges

By Nancy McCleary
Fay Observer
October 16, 2014

http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/southern-pines-priest-man-face-misdemeanor-indecency-charges/article_acd493d9-4e3c-5124-9bcb-22ace352239a.html

The rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and another man are accused of engaging in sex acts in Reservoir Park earlier this month, the Southern Pines Police Department said.

Father John Grey Tampa, 63, of Southern Pines, and Howard Reynolds, 79, of Whispering Pines, are each charged with indecent exposure, which is a misdemeanor.

The alleged incident was reported Oct. 2, Police Chief Robert Temme said Wednesday.

A plainclothes officer was checking activity in Reservoir Park about 12:45 p.m. when he saw an elderly man sitting in a vehicle, Temme said.

A second vehicle pulled in and parked, Temme said, and a man, identified as Tampa, got out. Reynolds got out of his vehicle shortly after, Temme said.

The two men walked away from the parking lot on a wooded trail, Temme said.

The undercover officer followed because the activity appeared suspicious, he said.

"The undercover officer watched them engage in two separate sex acts," Temme said. "Upon returning to their vehicles, the undercover officer approached both men."

The officer's lieutenant was called to the scene, as well, Temme said.

After interviewing both men and consulting with the Moore County district attorney, the men were arrested the next day, Temme said.

Tampa resigned as rector Tuesday during an emergency meeting of the church vestry, according to a report from The Pilot newspaper in Southern Pines.

A meeting for church members is scheduled tonight at 7:15, according to the Pilot.

No one answered the phone at the church Wednesday afternoon.

Staff writer Nancy McCleary can be reached at mcclearyn@fayobserver.com or 486-3568.