TENNESSEE
Associated Baptist Press
By Bob Allen
A former pastor at Baptist churches in Arkansas and Tennessee faces multiple charges of sexually abusing children following his arrest May 5 on a warrant issued after conducting a graveside service at a cemetery in his hometown of Covington, Tenn.
Larry Michael Berkley, 34, who goes by Michael, faces charges including sexual assault in the first and second degree, five counts of knowingly supplying alcohol to minors, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sexual solicitation and two counts of loaning pornography to a minor.
Police in Harrison, Ark., say the alleged crimes occurred while Berkley was pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation that belongs to North Arkansas Baptist Association.
According to the Harrison Daily Times, police began investigating Berkley after interviewing a church member and her 15-year-old son in late March. The woman told police rumors had been circulating about things that went on when Berkley was alone with youth, and her son had recently confirmed that at least some of those rumors where true.
She reported that she was contacted by members of churches where Berkley formerly served and was told he was accused of similar things while there, including at least one church in Tennessee.
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