(MI)
The Oakland Press [Troy MI]
May 7, 2026
By Aileen Wingblad
More serious charge dismissed
Sentencing for a sex crime was handed down Thursday morning to a long-time pastor of a Pontiac church.
At the hearing in Oakland County Circuit Court, Judge Mary Ellen Brennan sentenced Reverend Douglas Jones, 83, to one day in jail with credit for one day served and two years probation for attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Jones, of West Bloomfield, pleaded no contest to the charge in March. The crime he was initially charged with, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, was dismissed.
As previously reported, Jones’ attorney, Cyril Hall, told The Oakland Press that the plea was “the easiest way to resolve the controversy” and not cause more “injury to all people involved.”
Hall 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, 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 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.”