WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, SportsAssociate preacher charged with sex crime on 15 year old boy
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CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -The suspect, 53 year old Ronald Jones was picked up by U.S. Marshals Monday night. Charleston County deputies say between September 1st and December 31st of last year, Jones rubbed his private parts against a 15 year old boy at a Johns Island address. Investigators say Jones sometimes preaches at the New Jerusalem A.M.E. Church on Wadmalaw Island where he is also a member.
Many of the folks who live near the church either are members or know Ronald Jones. None of them wanted to go on camera, but when one of them was told about the arrest, he replied quote, "again?"
Jones has a long rap sheet that goes back to 1982. Most of his convictions are for fraudulent checks. He was put on probation in 2003 for Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent.
In this latest case, Jones' accuser didn't come forward until July second when he talked about the alleged sexual abuse to a counselor at the Lowcountry Children's Center. Director Libby Ralston says it's not uncommon for young victims to wait. "Children who have been sexually abused, the offender, very very often presents it as a positive, presents it as okay," Ralston said.
Jones' is charged with Crminal Sexual Conduct With A Minor Second Degree. A judge set his bond at $100,000. Deputies charged a second suspect in this case. Fifty two year old Sammy Grampus is charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct With A Minor and Disseminating Obscene Material To A Person Under 18.
