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Kevin Madden, a former youth pastor from Discover Church, now located at 577 Weston St, Pea Ridge, AR 72751, has accepted a plea deal related to accusations of sending explicit images to minors. The agreement was finalized on September 10, 2024, just days before his scheduled trial, according to 5 News Online.
Madden, 34, initially faced serious charges, including two counts of sexual indecency with a child and engaging a child in sexually explicit conduct stemming from incidents reported in April 2021. However, the state has since dismissed two of these charges and reduced one to a misdemeanor harassment.
As part of the plea deal, Madden pleaded guilty to harassment. He is expected to serve a one-year suspended sentence and is subject to a no-contact order with the victims involved.
The investigation began on April 30, 2021, when a church member reported that a minor alleged Madden had sent her sexually explicit photos. Additional testimony revealed inappropriate text exchanges with another minor, as well as allegations of attempted physical contact at a church event.
Detectives discovered that Madden had sent nude photos of himself in the shower via Snapchat and had solicited nude images from another girl. When confronted by authorities, Madden initially denied the allegations but later admitted to sending the explicit photos, while claiming he never physically touched the minors.
In response to the allegations, Discover Church terminated Madden's employment, stating that they acted swiftly once the validity of the claims was confirmed.
The church has since relocated to Pea Ridge, emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe environment for its congregation.
In the aftermath of a former youth pastor sending explicit images to minors, the legal landscape surrounding child sexual abuse becomes increasingly relevant. To explore this issue, we spoke with Joshua Gillespie, a seasoned attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. He shares valuable information about the rights available to victims and the avenues for holding accountable those who fail to protect vulnerable individuals.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us. What legal rights do child victims of sexual abuse have when it involves a trusted figure like a youth pastor?
Attorney Joshua Gillespie: Thank you for having me, Darla. Victims have several rights, including the right to report the abuse to law enforcement and to seek justice through civil lawsuits. They can also access counseling and support services.
Medina: How can victims hold negligent parties accountable in these situations?
Gillespie: Victims can file civil suits against both the abuser and any organizations that failed to protect them, like churches. If a church knew about past allegations and didn’t act, they may be liable for damages.
Medina: What steps should victims take if they suspect abuse?
Gillespie: The first step is to report the abuse to the authorities. It’s also vital for them to seek legal advice to understand their options for both criminal and civil proceedings. Support from professionals can make a significant difference in their recovery.
Medina: Thank you. This information is vital for those affected.
If you or a loved one has been affected by church related sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you are not alone. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for support and guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and take the first step towards healing and accountability. Your voice matters, and help is available.
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