TELL CITY (IN)
14 News [Evansville, IN]
March 18, 2024
By Aaron Chatman and Liz DeSantis
A newly released affidavit has revealed new details after the pastor of Community Christian Church was arrested and accused of sexual misconduct.
In February, detectives say a victim went to the Tell City Police Department accusing 48-year-old Errol Wright of sexually abusing her when she was under the age of 18.
According to the affidavit, the victim claims she and Wright started having sexual intercourse when she was 15-years-old and would have sex up to three times per week for years.
The victim told police that they had intercourse in several different places, including at the Christian Community Church numerous times.
Police say Wright promised the victim he would leave his wife for her, but she says she realized that was a lie and he was using her for sex.
Over a period of several years, the victim reportedly told police she believed Wright had sexual intercourse with her more than 100 times.
The victim’s sister spoke to 14 News saying she encouraged her to come forward.
“All this time she didn’t want to admit that it was happening, and it was bad,” she said. “She was ashamed. She thought if she admitted the bad parts, that it would define her.”
She says her sister told her what Wright had done eight years ago. Since then, she says she’s tried many times to get authorities to take action.
“Numerous recorded phone calls to DCS tip line, numerous recorded phone calls to the police department, and they didn’t listen,” she said.
According to police, Wright also served as a girls’ soccer coach at Tell City High School. After rumors spread of Wright having a relationship with a student in 2017 and 2018 at the school, police say the accused pastor was no longer allowed to be alone with any of the students.
The victim’s sister says this should have been a warning sign to authorities.
“Why did they keep him on the staff?” she asked. “Whoever decided to keep him on the staff should be fired. Straight up. And, if that was the principal, by all means he needs to be gone. If it was the school board, we need a whole new one.”
Tell City High School Athletics Director John Lyons says Wright is no longer part of the school’s soccer program. The district’s superintendent did not respond to 14 News’ request for comment on the matter.
Wright is facing charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, child seduction and child solicitation. He’s being held in the Perry County Jail on $48,005 bond.