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A pastor from Delight, Arkansas, has been taken into custody following serious allegations involving child sexual abuse materials, according to THV11. James Vincent Henry, 43, was arrested on October 14, 2024, after a thorough investigation by Arkansas State Police. Henry is the pastor at Crossroads Assembly of God Church located at 728 AR-19, Delight, AR 71940.
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children forwarded two cyber tips related to Henry's online activity on Snapchat and Kik. These tips prompted law enforcement to execute a search warrant on September 25, leading to the collection of critical digital evidence.
Henry serves as the pastor of Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Delight and has a history of working with youth as a former youth pastor at various churches, including Newsong Church in Centerton, where he was also involved with the media team.
Following the evidence gathered during the investigation, Henry faces 100 counts related to the possession, viewing, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. He has been transported to the Pike County Detention Center, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
In the wake of alarming allegations against an Arkansas pastor, many are left questioning the legal options available to victims of clergy sexual abuse. To provide clarity, we spoke with Joshua Gillespie, an experienced attorney experienced in cases involving sexual abuse within religious institutions. Gillespie shares important information on the rights of victims and how they can hold negligent churches accountable.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us, Joshua. What legal rights do children have in cases of sexual abuse by clergy?
Attorney Joshua Gillespie: Children have the right to seek justice through civil litigation. They can file lawsuits against the perpetrator and the church if it can be proven that the church was negligent in its oversight.
Medina: When can victims hold churches accountable for abuse?
Gillespie: Churches can be held accountable if there was knowledge of prior abuse or if they failed to take appropriate action to protect children. This includes inadequate background checks or ignoring warning signs.
Medina: What steps should victims take if they wish to come forward?
Gillespie: The first step is to report the abuse to law enforcement. It's also advisable to consult with a specialized attorney to understand their rights and options for pursuing a claim.
Medina: Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this important issue.
If you or a loved one has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, remember that support is available. Our team is here to listen and guide you through your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation—your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard. Contact us today to begin the path toward healing and accountability.
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