Lower than a month after a civil lawsuit was filed towards him by a former member and dentist alleging that he sexually assaulted her twice, Texas pastor Ronnie Goines was acquitted of a felony sexual assault cost Wednesday after a Tarrant County grand jury determined there was inadequate proof to assist the declare.
“As counsel for Pastor Goines, I’m happy with the end result of the grand jury’s investigation ensuing within the no-bill of indictment that successfully acquits him of this heinous allegation,” Goines’ legal professional, Michael Heiskell, informed KERA Information. “From the start, we asserted his innocence in court docket and have remained steadfast in that place.”
The Lubbock dentist, who’s represented by attorneys Keith L. Langston, John C. Hull, Shawn A. Latchford, and T. Wesley Holmes of Bruster PLLC in Texas, in addition to Boz Tchividjian of BozLaw PA in Florida, filed her lawsuit on Feb. 28 within the Tarrant County District Courtroom in Texas the place she resides.
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In accordance with the lawsuit reviewed by The Christian Put up, the dentist, who turned a member of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington based by Goines on Oct. 2, 2022, alleges she was sexually assaulted by the pastor on or about March 3 and March 4, 2023, after a interval of alleged grooming by Goines.
She subsequently lower off all ties with the pastor and the church and reported the alleged assaults to police in early June 2024, over a yr after the incidents occurred.
After surrendering to police, Goines was charged with sexual assault and indecent assault, which he insists had been consensual acts with the dentist. Goines, 52, was launched from jail final July after posting $23,000 in bail for the 2 expenses, court docket information present. He stepped away from his pulpit for 3 months and returned final October.
The dentist sought greater than $1 million in damages from the divorced pastor for the alleged assaults. She additionally accused the church and Goines of negligence, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional misery.
Though the sexual assault cost has been dismissed, Goines’ legal professional mentioned he’s nonetheless dealing with a misdemeanor cost of indecent assault, which he may even search to dismiss. Along with his function as a pastor, Goines, who’s an Military veteran, owns the All Issues Life Insurance coverage Company. The corporate’s web site says it helps households construct a legacy.
Reacting to the grand jury’s choice on the sexual assault allegations, Boz Tchividjian insisted that Pastor Goines will likely be “held accountable for his actions.”
“We admire the dedication and energy of native regulation enforcement and the District Lawyer’s Workplace in pursuing justice within the space,” he informed KERA Information Thursday. “We stay decided and dedicated to carry Mr. Goines accountable for his actions.”
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