After Embezzlement Scandal, Church Hires Registered Sex Offender as Pastor
Roy Yoakem, 46, has called New Gospel Outreach Church his home for the past six years. Now, he’s sitting in a Scottsville, Kentucky jail on charges of rape and sodomy.
That’s disturbing, but what is perhaps more disturbing is the church knew he was a registered sex offender when he was set in place as the spiritual head of the congregation.
“When he first became pastor, about 2 1/2, 3 years ago, he informed the church of that right off,” Stephen Bratcher, interim pastor of New Gospel Outreach, told WSMV. “He explained that those allegations were false.”
This time around, Yoakem is accused of raping a 14-year-old boy, and police suspect he’s not the only one. According to WBKO, the boy’s mother contacted police after she found graphic messages and photos from Yoakem on his phone.
“He’s a predator and he doesn’t need to be on the street. I’m glad we got him,” Detective Chad Keen with the Allen Co. Sheriff’s Dept., told WBKO.
Yoakem was registered as sex offender in Warren County in 2003.
“He said he was at peace with God,” Bratcher said. “Everybody has a past.”
Bratcher told WSMV he hopes people don’t judge the worshipers because the church has been tainted by yet another scandal. In 2011, the church’s long-time pastor, Billy Minix, was charged with embezzling $300,000.
