Former Youth Pastor Acquitted on Sex Abuse Charges

By Sarah Drake
WDHN
May 22, 2019

https://www.dothanfirst.com/news/local-news/former-youth-pastor-acquitted-on-sex-abuse-charges/2019609440

A former youth pastor for Mt. Gilead Baptist Church accused of sexually abusing children has been acquitted after a jury deliberation Wednesday.

William Wesley Williamson disputed the four counts of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 charges against him Wednesday afternoon in a Houston County courtroom.

The allegations said the abuse took place in the summer of 2017, during a church function known as Wired and also during a summer church event known as Royal Ambassadors

When asked by the defense attorney, if he intentionally or specifically touched any child inappropriately, Williamson responded by saying "I did not intentionally or specifically touch any child inappropriately."

Williamson also testified that he was never approached or knew anything about any of these allegations until January and said all doors were open,

Windows were visible, and church staff and fellow church members were constantly in the area or walking through the area.

According to assistant district attorney Seth Brooks, no one, including church associates, stated if Williamson did or did not commit the alleged crimes, except for the children.

In his closing statement, defense attorney Shawn McGhee asked the jury to use their common sense when coming to a conclusion and that in some cases, justice should be served in a not guilty verdict.

Brooks, on the other hand, asked why else would a grown man touch a child in their private's if not for their own sexual gratification?

He also asked the jury to find Williamson guilty of all four counts and to hold him accountable for what he did to show the people of Houston County that something like this will not happen in our churches.

Williamson said ministry is what he loves to do and went to school for, but no matter the outcome of the trial, it will not matter as no church will ever allow him to work with children ever again.