Pastor Keith Pettis of the New Life Christian Center in Lowell, North Carolina was arrested in August of 2009 for allegedly abusing a young girl (now 14) from 2006 -2009. Numerous charges were filed; taking indecent liberties with a child, first-degree sex offense with a child, and statutory rape.
The young girl has since moved to another location, but police statements document that the abuse began in August of 2006 and continued until March 2009.
The church has supported Keith Pettis, aged 42, holding prayer groups, fundraisers, and a rally earlier this week; thirty to forty church members were in attendance, as were fellow leaders from other local churches. According to the Gaston Gazette;
The Rev. Troy Montgomery made an emotional plea for support, his baritone barks rattling the small sanctuary at Pettis’ 128 Robbins St. church. “We do not care what the naysayers say,” Montgomery said. “We are here to do one thing: To support him irregardless of what the outcome is.”
Pettis was released on $50,000 bond following his arrest, and he’s due back in court this week. The church and his supporters believe that he has been falsely accused.