PONTIAC (MI)
The Oakland Press [Troy MI]
March 10, 2026
By Aileen Wingblad
A long-time pastor of a Pontiac church recently pleaded no contest to a sex crime charge — neither admitting nor denying the allegation as “the easiest way to resolve the controversy” and not cause more “injury to all people involved,” his attorney said.
At a March 3 hearing in Oakland County Circuit Court, 83-year-old Reverend Douglas Jones of West Bloomfield pleaded no contest to an added count of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The crime he was initially charged with, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, was dismissed.
Due to court error, Jones’ court record had incorrectly stated that he pleaded guilty to the charge. Assistant Prosecutor Dillon Salge confirmed on March 10 that the error had occurred and the record would be corrected to indicate the no contest plea.
Jones, senior pastor of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac since 1989, was arrested last year. Investigators said the crime occurred on Aug. 26, 2024 in Rochester Hills.
Jones’ attorney, Cyril Hall, told The Oakland Press that Jones wanted to proceed to trial, adamant that the allegation was false. But he recommended the plea to “get it done with and move on.”
Hall also said there was no evidence presented during Jones’ preliminary exam in 52-3 District Court that the alleged action resulted in sexual arousal or gratification, which is required to support the charge. The case was bound over to the higher court because “the standard is so low,” Hall said.
He said the charge stemmed from the alleged victim reporting that Jones “had touched her back and that his hand may have accidentally touched her buttocks.”
Jones told The Oakland Press that he was guilty of no crime and he wants to “clear my name, get my reputation back and let’s move on.”
“Those who believe me will believe me,” Jones said. “Those who don’t, won’t.”
Family members of Jones’ accuser continue to regularly attend services at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, Hall added.
Jones is well-known for his ministries and other community involvement throughout Pontiac — including as a board member of the Oakland County Health Network, founder of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, and more. In February 2025, the Detroit Red Wings recognized him as a “Black History Month Game Changers honoree.”
Soon after the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized the charge last year, Hall told The Oakland Press that the charge was “ridiculous.”
“We’re shocked by the allegations, although we’re confident they will be dismissed…we categorically deny any allegations, and know the pastor would not engage in this type of behavior,” Hall said last year.
Judge Mary Ellen Brennan is scheduled to sentence Jones on April 30. Attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is a high-court misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine.
Jones is out of custody on a $10,000 personal bond, which requires no cash or surety to be posted.