South Carolina Pastor Charged With Kidnapping, Sexual Assault
A South Carolina pastor is being charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.
Dale Richardson, 46, is the pastor of the Freedom Free Will Baptist Church in Ladson, South Carolina, a position he has held since June of 2010, according to his church biography.
He has been charged with kidnapping and raping three women and kidnapping a fourth, the Associated Press reported. One of the sexual assaults allegedly took place in a trailer behind his church.
His church biography describes him as a lifelong resident of nearby Summerville, South Carolina. He was saved at the age of 14 and was called to preach in a tent revival in 2005. He joined his current church in 2008 and has held different offices there, including adult Sunday school teacher, Sunday school director, and trustee.
His biography also indicates that he has been married to his wife, Susan, for 26 years and they have two daughters.
He was denied bond at a hearing in Dorchester County.
I don't believe any of this, a neighbor of Richardson's told the Associated Press. I have never had a problem with him. He's kind. He's a member of this community. He mows the neighbors' lawns. I am just blown away by all these accusations.
Richardson's preaching credentials have been suspended by the South Carolina Free Will Baptist State Association pending the results of investigations, the AP reported.
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