TX--Two preachers did not report suspected child abuse

By Amy Smith
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
December 3, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/tx_two_preachers_did_not_report_suspected_child_abuse

Two Odessa pastors are charged with not reporting suspected child sex crimes to police. We hope they’re convicted and given the harshest possible sentence. That’s the best way to deter church officials from covering up for child molesters.

http://www.newswest9.com/story/27532491/odessa-pastors-arrested-allegedly-hid-child-abuse-from-police   

At the same time, however, we hope Texas lawmakers will reform the state’s stunningly weak and archaic mandatory reporting law. Failing to report abuse is a misdemeanor. It should be a felony. It’s ironic and sad that a state where politicians often “talk tough” about crime lets those who endanger kids and help predators get off so lightly.

Don and Gina Haislett, the pastor and co-pastor of Life Church in Odessa, were arrested and charged Tuesday. We urge church members and officials at Life Church to set an example but voluntarily turning over all files and documents to prosecutors and using all the resources at their disposal to reach out to current and former members of the congregation, as well as employees and former employees.

Finally, we hope that every single person who may have seen, suspected or suffered child sex crimes by Angel De Los Santos and cover ups by church officials will call police, expose wrongdoers, protect kids and start healing.