Former Youth Pastor Arrested for Attempted Sodomy, Child Molestation; Pastors Respond

WTVM
June 29, 2017

http://www.wtvm.com/story/35779954/columbus-police-arrest-former-youth-pastor-for-sodomy-child-molestation

Columbus police have arrested a former youth pastor at Edgewood Assembly of God on several charges including child molestation and sodomy.

Homer Singleton, 45, known as Jay, was arrested on Wednesday, June 28 around noon after the Columbus Police Department’s Special Victims Unit was investigating an individual for attempted aggravated child molestation. Singleton was arrested near the area of Broadway and 8th St.

The pastor of Edgewood Assembly of God, Charles Hayes, released the following statement concerning this incident:

Two years ago, he was on staff here and left Edgewood Assembly of God. My heart goes out to the family. They need prayer. Jay needs prayer.

Singleton was recently a volunteer worker with the children's ministry at The Refuge Church, which is a satellite of North Highland.

Pastor Robert French with the Refuge Church sent us the following statement:

We are saddened about the alleged situation here. We will continue to pray for the family, his wife and his son. The church is here to support them during this horrible situation. As a church, we will do everything we can to provide the necessary support.

Pastor Brad Lacy of North Highland Church released this statement:

We were saddened by the recent allegations against the volunteer from Refuge Church in Waverly Hall, Mr. Singleton. We are praying for him and his family.

Pastor Brad Lacy also says that no one volunteers in children's ministry without a clean background check.

The former youth pastor was charged with criminal attempt child molestation, criminal attempt sodomy and driving with a suspended license.

There is no word on why he left Edgewood Church.

Singleton is expected to appear in Recorder's Court on Friday, June 30 at 9 a.m.