Former Haywood Co. Priest, Already Accused of Sex Crimes, Faces 8 More Felony Charges

WLOS
July 12, 2018

https://wlos.com/news/local/former-haywood-co-priest-already-accused-of-sex-crimes-faces-8-more-felony-charges


A former Episcopal priest in Haywood County already accused of sex crimes is now facing eight more charges related to the sexual abuse of children.

Howard Willard White, Jr., 77, now faces five counts of indecent liberties with a child, one count of second-degree sex offense, and two counts of second-degree forcible sex offense.

He was also previously charged with first-degree forcible rape, second-degree forcible rape, second-degree forcible sexual offense and indecent liberties with a child.

White was the longtime rector of a Waynesville church, serving Grace Church from 1984 to 2006.

In June 2017, White pleaded guilty to child sex charges in Massachusetts. Prosecutors said White assaulted a child during two overnight trips to Boston when the boy was 15 and 16.

At the time, White worked at St. George's School in Middletown, Rhode Island.

He pleaded guilty in 2017 to child sex charges in Massachusetts, serving a year in prison before being returned to Haywood County to face local charges.

Local authorities say the crimes date back to the 1980s when White was a rector.

White is currently being held at the Haywood County Detention Center under a $1.6 million bond.

Prosecutors argued White is a flight risk since he faces a possible life sentence, has no Haywood County ties, and has substantial financial means.