Rogers, AR – A former Rogers youth pastor has accepted a plea deal in a case involving allegations of sending nude pictures to a minor. Kevin Madden, 34, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor harassment charge on September 10, 2024, just days before his scheduled trial. Madden was a youth pastor at Discover Church in Rogers, now located at 577 Weston St, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.
Youth Pastor’s Child Sex Crimes Charges Reduced in Plea Agreement
Madden initially faced two counts of sexual indecency with a child and one count of engaging a child in sexually explicit conduct stemming from an incident in April 2021. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed two charges and reduced the sexual indecency charge to misdemeanor harassment.
Sentencing Reduced for Former Youth Pastor Accused of Sexting Two Minors
The court handed down a one-year suspended sentence to Madden and issued a no-contact order with the victims. This resolution comes more than three years after Madden’s arrest on May 7, 2021, for allegedly sending nude pictures of himself to a minor and requesting nude photos from another.
Details of the Allegations of Sending Nude Pictures to Minor
The case began when a member of Discover Church in Rogers reported to police that a child from the congregation had received sexually explicit pictures from Madden, who was serving as the youth pastor. Another minor also reported receiving inappropriate text messages from him.
Investigators uncovered allegations that Madden had attempted to kiss one of the girls at a church event and harassed her at her workplace. He was accused of sending nude photos of himself showering via Snapchat to one girl and requesting nude photos from another.
Church’s Response to Youth Pastor Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
Following the allegations, Discover Church took swift action, terminating Madden’s employment as a youth pastor. The church released a statement emphasizing their commitment to the safety of their members and cooperation with authorities throughout the investigation.
Legal Pathways for Victims of Clergy Abuse
The recent case of a former youth pastor in Rogers, Arkansas, pleading guilty to harassment charges has brought renewed attention to the issue of clergy abuse. As communities grapple with the aftermath of such incidents, questions arise about the legal options available to victims and their families. To provide clarity on this complex topic, we spoke with Joshua Gillespie, a seasoned Arkansas attorney specializing in sexual abuse cases. In this interview, Gillespie offers valuable information on the legal rights of child victims, the potential for holding negligent institutions accountable, and the steps victims can take to protect themselves and seek recompense. His insights provide a roadmap for those affected by clergy abuse and underscore the importance of understanding the legal landscape in these sensitive cases.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options are available for children who have been victims of sexual misconduct by a youth pastor?
Joshua Gillespie, Esq.: Child victims have several avenues for legal recourse. They can pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator through law enforcement. Additionally, victims and their families can file civil lawsuits against the abuser and potentially the church or religious organization that employed them.
Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these cases?
Gillespie: Churches and religious organizations can be held liable if they failed to properly screen, supervise, or respond to complaints about the pastor. This could include inadequate background checks, ignoring warning signs, or failing to investigate previous allegations. Victims can seek compensation for damages through civil lawsuits against these institutions.
Banville: What advice would you give to potential victims in this case?
Gillespie: I urge any potential victims to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide them through the legal process and help protect their rights.
Support for Church Abuse Victims: Reach Out for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you know has been affected by clergy abuse, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Legal options are available to help victims seek justice and hold accountable those responsible for their suffering. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for support. Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can discuss your situation and guide you through the next steps toward healing and justice. Your voice matters, and we are here to help.
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Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
