Draper preacher facing charges
, Staff Writer
12-14-2009
The preacher of a Newbern Church has been charged with taking indecent liberties with a minor.
Pulaski County Sheriff Jim Davis declined to release information on the case against Rev. John P. Hale, 73, of Draper, except to say the man faces a single charge of indecent liberties – a Class 6 felony. Class 6 felonies carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Hale is pastor at Newbern Church of Christ, which is near Newbern Post Office.
The sheriff declined to comment on the victim’s age or connection with Hale.
The code section under which Hale is charged (18.2-370.1) deals with an adult who takes indecent liberties with a child under the age of 18 who is in a “custodial or supervisory relationship” with the suspect.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Fleenor could not be reached for comment on the case.
Davis said it is his understanding the case will be prosecuted by the Giles County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office because Fleenor asked to be recused from the case.
Hale’s preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. in Pulaski County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
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