Posted on 11/05/2017 12:57:24 PM PST by Jyotishi
RUSHVILLE, Ind. (WISH) -- An Indiana pastor appears to still be the leader of his church despite the child molestation and solicitation charges he faces and his attempt to take his own life after additional charges came down on Friday.
Garry Evans is listed as pastor on the sign in front of Rushville Baptist Temple Church, and now people living doors away want to know why no one from the church is speaking out.
"It's wrong. Pure evil. There's evil in that church," said Tim Guck, who lives next door.
The man the church says leads their worship has led the Rushville Police Department down a frightening path of child molestation allegations.
In October, 14 counts were filed against him, and another two filed on Friday when authorities say a 6-year-old came forward with child molesation claims. But neighbors of the church building said Evans continued to preach after the charges in October, when he got out on bail.
"The church is saying they back him, and they don't believe children," said Carrie Simmeron, who lives down the block.
After Friday's charges, Evans tried to take his own life at his Rushville home. He had to be flown to IU Health Methodist Hospital.
24-Hour News 8 reached out to the hospital multiple times for information on Evans' condition but did not hear back on Friday or Saturday.
"I don't understand it. I don't get the whole ordeal. I don't know what's going on," said Guck.
Police said there are six victims between the ages of 3 and 7, and that the abuse happened within the last few years inside his churches' walls.
These allegations stopped the Simmermon family from trying out the church a few doors down from their home.
"Especially since I have little ones," said Carrie Simmermon. "I wouldn't want to take that chance."
Police couldn't charge Evans in connection with other victims who claimed abuse from 30 years ago.
"That's why I say it needs to be shut down as a common nuisance, because I believe they're all in on it. I mean why would they have his name up there?" said Guck.
A lawyer representing the church did not respond to 24-Hour News 8's request for comment. The church appeared empty on Saturday while a community remains in the dark.
If he is released from the hospital, a judge said Evans must consent to GPS monitoring.
Evans' pretrial hearing is set for November 28.
Related Coverage
Rushville pastor facing child molestation charges airlifted to Indy hospital
Rushville pastor faces new child molestation charge
Rushville pastor arrested in connection with child molestation
Rushville church at center of child sexual abuse allegations
perverted SOB. How about a good old fashioned flogging?
Independent Fundamentalist Baptist.
Shades of Jack Schaap.
The guy is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the right response is to suspend him with pay while the criminal process works out.
From the article, “The church is saying they back him... they don’t believe the children”. I guess they don’t believe the now adults who were abused years ago as well? Sometimes I think people just don’t want to admit that they were fooled.. by the way someone looks (kind and nice) and that they didn’t “see” it. Any parent who allows this man near their child until a full investigation is done is an idiot.
He tried to kill himself on Friday: https://www.facebook.com/WTHR13/posts/10155414629066144
After McMartin case in the 80’s I want more information on who is talking to these children in the investigation.
You’re right. But most people stop thinking, especially when child abuse allegations are hurled.
“The guy is presumed innocent until proven guilty,”
Only in court. We can presume anything we want
If you are innocent, you don’t try to kill yourself.
pretty subjective opinion.
Even if he is innocent his life is ruined.
Well, I suppose you have a closer relationship with him than I do, so I’ll yield to your personal knowledge.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.