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A Holmes County pastor accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a child is behind bars after an investigation. Randon Carroll, a pastor at a local Holmes County church, was arrested by Holmes County deputies and charged with sexual battery on a child.
The Holmes County Sheriff's Office says the investigation started when the Walton County Sheriff's Office contacted HCSO after a parent discovered alarming messages on their child's phone, messages allegedly sent by Carroll. The child then reported inappropriate sexual conduct involving Carroll. When investigators sat down with Carroll, authorities say he confessed.
Carroll was taken into custody following that interview. HCSO has not publicly identified the specific church where Carroll serves as pastor, but confirmed he leads a congregation within Holmes County.
The Holmes County Sheriff's Office says the case is far from closed. Investigators have not ruled out additional charges, and authorities say more developments are possible as the investigation moves forward.
The factual information above was sourced from wjhg.com as of June 5, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a child is sexually abused by a pastor or church leader, families are often left overwhelmed, frightened, and unsure of where to turn. While the criminal justice system handles prosecution, many families do not realize they also have independent legal rights that can be exercised through the civil courts. Miami-based sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard has represented victims of clergy abuse and walks us through what Florida law provides for survivors and their families, from institutional accountability to filing deadlines that could affect a family's ability to act.
Editor Darla Medina: When a child is sexually abused by a pastor or church leader, most people think about the criminal case. But what about the civil side — do victims have options there?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Absolutely. A criminal case and a civil case are two entirely separate things. A criminal prosecution is handled by the state, and the victim has no direct control over it. A civil lawsuit is something the victim or their family brings independently, and it can result in financial compensation for the harm caused.
Medina: Can the church itself be held responsible, even if church leadership claims they had no knowledge of the abuse?
Haggard: That is one of the most important questions families ask. In Florida, a church or religious organization can potentially be held liable if it can be shown that they were negligent — for example, if they failed to properly screen the individual, ignored warning signs, or did not have adequate safeguards in place to protect children. The institution does not get a free pass simply because one of its members committed the act.
Medina: What about statutes of limitations? Are there time limits that victims need to be aware of?
Haggard: Florida has made significant changes to its laws in recent years to give survivors more time to come forward. Victims of childhood sexual abuse generally have until age 25 to file a civil lawsuit, and in some cases the window can extend further depending on when the abuse was discovered or reported. My strong advice to any family in this situation is to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, because every case is different and waiting can affect your options.
Medina: What is the first thing a family should do if they believe their child has been abused by a pastor or church leader?
Haggard: Report it to law enforcement immediately. That is always step one. After that, consult a civil attorney who handles sexual abuse cases. Families often do not realize that civil and criminal proceedings can move at the same time. You do not have to wait for a criminal verdict to begin exploring your civil rights. Evidence can also disappear over time, so acting promptly matters.
If your child has been sexually abused by a pastor or church leader, you do not have to face this alone. The Legal Herald can connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who will listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand every option available to your family — at no cost and with no obligation. Time matters in these cases, and one phone call today could make all the difference.
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