Five counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and one count of sex abuse by force have been added to charges against longtime pastor Ken Daniel (read initial arrest information here).
The latest charges come from Shelby County (four counts) and Jefferson County (two counts, which includes the sex abuse by force charge).
The three locations for charges are tied to the alleged incidents reported by the girl, who lives in Blount County with her grandfather. Daniel lives in Alabaster, which is in Shelby County, and the church is located in Jefferson County.
The Alabama Baptist confirmed the charges with Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey and Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon this morning (Oct. 28).
Background on arrest
Daniel, pastor of First Baptist Church Chalkville, was arrested Oct. 19 by the Blount County Sheriff’s Department and charged with “facilitating solicitation of unlawful sexual conduct with a child”
According to multiple media reports, the alleged victim is 7 years old and was inappropriately touched by Daniel, 64, on several occasions since January 2020.
The girl reportedly said the incidents happened on church property as well as at Daniel’s home and during a pool party.
Detailed information regarding the investigation could not be released to The Alabama Baptist because the content deals with a juvenile and with sexual abuse, Moon explained.
In reference to the family’s call for a review of the process that led to Daniel’s arrest, Casey said, “We stand by the investigation, that it was done properly and was done thoroughly and look forward to presenting our case in court.”
Daniel remained in the Blount County jail at press time.
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