DA Says Alabama Pastor's Child Sex Abuse Indictment Involves Family Member, Not Church

By Jonathan Grass
AL.com
March 30, 2016

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2016/03/da_says_alabama_pastors_child.html

A pastor in Jackson County was arrested on a seven-count grand jury indictment Monday night. Although the sensitive nature of the case prevents prosecutors from divulging much at this point, the district attorney's office has released what it can.

Jeffrey Allen Elkins

Jeffrey Allen Elkins, 55, is charged with five counts of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old and two counts of enticing a child for immoral purposes. He is a pastor at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Bridgeport.

Jackson County District Attorney Charlie Rhodes said the charges involve one victim who is a family member of Elkins. He said the alleged crimes do not involve his role at the church.

Rhodes could not say when the alleged incidents occurred because of the investigation and the victim's privacy.

The tentative trial date is May 23. That date may change later.

Jail officials said Elkins made his $50,000 bond on Tuesday.

Contact: jgrass@al.com