Fellowship Memphis Church hires crisis management firm after Rick Trotter's arrest

By Amy Smith
Watch Keep
August 22, 2016

http://watchkeep.blogspot.com/2016/08/fellowship-memphis-church-hires-crisis.html?m=1

Former Memphis Grizzlies announcer Rick Trotter was arrested on August 9, accused of filming "upskirt" videos while women were kneeling at worship services at Downtown Church earlier this year. Stotter reportedly recorded women and minors at another church, Fellowship Memphis, in 2010, where he was on staff as a worship leader from 2005-2010. After the camera was discovered at Fellowship, Stotter was fired, but church officials did not report this incident to law enforcement, according to Memphis Police Department's Lt. Karen Rudolph. Two of Trotter's alleged victims that he recorded are minors. Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter under state law.  

To ensure our congregations are fully informed, Fellowship Memphis (Fellowship) and Downtown Church (Downtown) have come together to provide a joint narrative with the facts as we understand them regarding Rick Trotter and his employment with our institutions.

Let us first say we are here for the victims. Trotter’s actions are contrary to our values, and we are deeply sorry for the suffering of the victims.

 Though Fellowship Church states that they are "here for the victims," their recent communications suggest otherwise.The "independent outside firm" that Fellowhip Memphis has hired "to investigate any and all facts surrounding this matter" of Rick Trotter's alleged crimes is the crisis management firm Caissa Public Strategy based in Memphis and Washington, D.C..

Every organization is vulnerable to a crisis. From accidents or rogue bloggers, to product recalls or community relation challenges, crises can occur in many forms. Quick, well-thought out action, is necessary to protect your reputation and your bottom line.

It is disturbing that Fellowship Memphis has hired a PR firm to investigate information regarding allegations of criminal behavior during Rick Trotter's employment. Church members with information are instructed to contact Jessica Muntz at Caissa Public Strategy.

Her background in customer service and both television and radio news ensures that you and your project will always come first and get the visibility it needs. She's your eyes and ears on the ground.

Anyone with information about possible crimes by Rick Trotter should contact the Memphis police department, not church officials. Fellowship Memphis is directly soliciting information from members about alleged criminal activity at the church to be handled by a firm hired to help the church protect their brand in a crisis. Fellowship Memphis Church is placing their image and reputation management above all.