Library Worker Accused of Sexual Abuse, Suspended

By Sasha Jones
WBRC
November 16, 2016

http://www.wbrc.com/story/33718257/library-worker-accused-of-sexual-abuse-suspended

[with video]

Allegations against a current Memphis Library worker have not only prompted a city and police investigation, but tied a Mid-South church to the case.

The City of Memphis confirmed a current Memphis Public Library worker is on paid leave while they investigate previous allegations of sexual abuse.

Kenny Stubblefield said he suffered at the hands of Christopher Carwile.

He said it the reason he filed a police report with the City of Memphis, and why he is speaking out about the alleged abuse he said he suffered at the hands of Christopher Carwile.

What he told WMC Action News 5, is what he said he told police.

"By the next morning I had convinced myself that it was my fault," Stubblefield said while recounting the alleged abuse.

Stubblefield said in the late 90's, when he was just 16, he was sexually abused by Carwile, the Youth Ministry intern at Immanuel Baptist Church.

A City of Memphis document proves he has been employed since at least 2014.

We went to a listed address for Carwile, but no one came to the door.

Stubblefield said his family notified the lead pastor at Immanuel Baptist within a year of the alleged incident, but said they were encouraged to stay silent.

"It was covered up by the leadership of Immanuel Baptist Church," Stubblefield said.

Immanuel Baptist later changed its name to The Church at Schilling Farms, which now has a current lease agreement with Highpoint Church.

Highpoint Church sent out this statement, saying they became aware of the allegations back in 2015 but that "These events did not occur at Highpoint Church, nor were any Highpoint leaders or partners involved."

Stubblefield said he wants to get to the bottom of what he said happened to him, and he is asking others to come forward.

"Nobody was there to protect me back then and I feel like it is my job to protect them now,” Stubblefield said.

We spoke with another man alleging abuse, but are still working to confirm that he also filed a police report.

We did reach out the former lead pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, but have not heard back as of yet.

Copyright 2016 WMC Action News 5. All rights reserved.