Judge increases bond of pastor accused in sexual abuse case

Tag: usa

WEST UNION — The bond for the Rev. Timothy Parker was increased during a bond review hearing at the Fayette County Courthouse Wednesday.

Parker is alleged to have attempted to contact the victim and her family from jail.

Iowa Assistant Attorney General Susan Krisko argued that Parker’s attempt to contact the girl and her family violates a protection order.

Story Continues below



Letters Parker wrote to persuade the victim, who is a relative, and her family, to drop charges were introduced during proceedings. Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher has since charged Parker with four counts of violating a protection order, which is a misdemeanor.

Parker, 40, of Westgate has remained in jail since being charged with third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of lascivious acts with a minor, Class C felonies.

Krisko said Parker skirted the jail’s mailing system by giving letters to a visiting pastor. Authorities found other correspondence in Parker’s cell, she said.

Parker wrote in the letters that if the victim dropped charges, he could go home and spend time with his family. There were also specific instructions of what she should say if questioned.

Parker is alleged to have had the girl undress and then touched her. When investigators questioned him, he also admitted to performing oral sex.

His bond had been set at $40,000 and Judge Margaret Lingreen set the amount at $50,000 cash only.

Parker served Lutheran churches in Westgate and Fayette.

http://communitynewspapergroup.com/ar...158329.txt