Rockwall, Texas – A youth volunteer at Lakepointe Church, located at 701 E Interstate 30, Rockwall, TX 75087, has been arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child.
Natalie Sorrells, 44, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with child sexual contact on February 20, 2024, according to public safety records from the Department of Public Safety in Heath, Texas.
Sorrells had been serving as a volunteer youth worker at the Texas megachurch, which is led by well-known pastor Josh Howerton and has six locations throughout the Dallas area. The church’s statement revealed that the alleged illegal sexual contact with a minor occurred last week, though it was not on church premises or during any church event, and the minor was not under Sorrells’ direct leadership.
Megachurch Youth Volunteer Accused of Assaulting 13-Year-Old Boy
Natalie Sorrells, 44, of Heath, Texas, was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with child sexual contact on February 20, 2024, according to public safety records.
The charges stem from allegations that Sorrells sexually assaulted a 13-year-old boy on multiple occasions.
Deleted Texts and Forensic Interview Reveals Sexual Misconduct
The mother of the child told police she found several deleted text messages between Sorrells and her son, in which Sorrells referred to the child as “babe.” Weeks later, the child disclosed to his mother that Sorrells had molested him.
In a forensic interview, the 13-year-old described multiple instances of inappropriate contact with Sorrells since April 2023, including two incidents of Sorrells touching him inappropriately and having sexual contact with him in a car and at a party.
Church Staffer Provided Alcohol and Tobacco to Minors
The 13-year-old also told police that Sorrells provided him and several friends with alcohol and tobacco on several occasions.
Church Responds to Volunteer’s Arrest For Child Sexual Abuse
Lakepointe Church, where Sorrells served as a youth volunteer, stated that it learned of the allegations last week and immediately restricted Sorrells from any access to minors and removed her from her volunteer position. The church noted that all of its volunteers undergo a security clearance, background checks, and training before serving.
According to her Instagram account, Sorrells has worked as a real estate agent in the area for nearly five years. Just two weeks ago, she published a post on her realtor account that included a positive testimony and recommendation from a client.
Holding Churches Accountable: Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Abuse
To provide more insight into the legal rights available for victims sexually abused by a church staffer or volunteer, we sat down with Marc Lenahan, Esq., an experienced religious sexual abuse lawyer. Lenahan provided valuable guidance on the steps victims can take to seek justice and ensure negligent parties are held responsible.
Laurence Banville, Esq. (LB): Marc, what are some of the legal options available for victims of sexual abuse by a church staffer?
Marc Lenahan, Esq. (ML): Victims of sexual abuse by a church staffer or volunteer have several legal avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they can file criminal charges against the perpetrator for the sexual assault. Additionally, they may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the church itself for negligence in allowing the abuse to occur, such as failing to screen, train, or supervise the staffer properly.
LB: Can you expand on the potential civil lawsuit against the church? What would that entail?
ML: Churches have a duty of care to protect the minors and vulnerable adults in their charge. If a church fails to uphold that duty, for example, by not having adequate safeguards in place or by ignoring warning signs of abuse, it can be held legally liable. The victims may be able to recover damages for the harm they’ve suffered, both physical and emotional.
LB: Thank you, Marc, for providing this important legal guidance for victims of sexual abuse by a church staffer. Your expertise in this sensitive area is greatly appreciated.
ML: You’re welcome. I encourage any victims to reach out to an experienced religious sexual abuse attorney who can evaluate their specific case and advise them on the best path forward to seek justice and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Seeking Justice and Accountability for Church Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one have been the victim of sexual abuse by a church staffer, it’s important to know that you have legal options to pursue justice and hold the perpetrator and the church accountable. Our team of attorneys has extensive experience representing survivors of religious sexual abuse and can provide a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and guide you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard.
Sources:
https://julieroys.com/youth-volunteer-texas-megachurch-charged-sexual-assault-child/
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/natalie-sorrells-rockwall-county-child-affidavit
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
