Honk News (Tarrant County, TX) – A pastor in North Texas was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly sexually abusing a child, as reported by Tarrant County court documents.
Johel LaFaurie faces charges for ongoing sexual abuse of a minor, involving multiple incidents against a child under 14 within a 30-day timeframe.
LaFaurie, 65, is the lead pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Verdad Viviente located in Watauga. No comment was received in response to the request.
Another North Texas pastor is under scrutiny for abuse allegations this month.
Frisco megachurch pastor Jerry Nickerson was dismissed on Jan. 6 after he confessed to having “inappropriate contact with a minor” during his time as a volunteer youth leader at another church, according to church officials.
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Members of Hope Fellowship Church were informed via email about the dismissal of student pastor Nickerson following his unexpected confrontation regarding past incidents.
Nickerson informed church leaders that the event took place a decade ago, and they were unaware of any allegations against him prior to his disclosure, according to the leadership. Nickerson has not replied to a request for comment. No charges have been brought against anyone.
“We are devastated by this news,” lead pastor John McKinzie said in the email. “We believe that this behavior is disqualifying to those in pastoral and leadership positions, and Hope Fellowship is committed to supporting and advocating for victims of abuse.”