Bench trial ordered for Fayette County pastor accused of sex crimes against girl

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By John McGlothlen / SourceMedia Group News

WEST UNION — A judge on Wednesday ordered a bench trial for a Fayette County pastor accused of sex crimes against a 12-year-old girl.

Timothy E. Parker, 40, was the pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate when he was charged on Aug. 5 with third-degree sexual abuse and two counts of lascivious acts with a child.

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District Court Judge Margaret Lingreen ordered a non-jury trial for Nov. 3, after initially setting a jury trial for Oct. 13. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 7.

According to the criminal complaint, on three separate occasions, Parker fondled or performed oral sex on the girl, now 13. Deputies said the alleged incidents took place at the church parsonage in early June of 2009. (Note: Iowa Courts Online shows dates as June 8, 2010; June 8, 2010; and June 9, 2010)

All three charges are class C felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Parker also faces four counts of violating a no contact order after allegedly trying to contact the victim and family members by giving letters to a pastor visiting Parker at the Fayette County jail.

After the no contact charges were added, Parker’s cash-only bond was raised to $50,000. He remains in jail.

http://easterniowanewsnow.com/2010/09...inst-girl/