A teenager is accused of inappropriately touching a young child while at church. Now the church is speaking out about the incident.
The alleged incident happened at the Branch Chapel Freewill Baptist Church on Highway 96 North of Selma. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident was reported on Sunday, January 31st and involved a female victim under the age of 12.
On Monday, 16 year-old Kevin Eugene Betts of Highway 231, Wendell was arrested and charged with assault on a child. He given a $2,000 bond.
Johnston County Schools Public Information Officer Tracey Peedin Jones confirmed Betts is a student at Corinth Holders High School. When asked if Betts would still be allowed to attend classes at Corinth Holders, Jones would only say the incident was not school related.
Sheriff’s investigators have not released any specific details about the alleged assault or specifically where it occurred on church grounds.
In a prepared statement from the church said, “On Sunday, January 31, during the evening service, our church suffered a difficult and traumatic situation that involved a young man inappropriately touching a young girl. While we will not go into the details of the incident, let us assure you that the situation is being addressed by the pastors, the deacon board, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department.” The statement was signed by Pastor Rickey Evans, Youth Pastor Eric Narron and Deacon Board Chair Luby Tyner.
Betts is free on bail pending an April 14th court appearance on assault charge.
