New Hanover County pastor accused of child sex crimes

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A pastor accused of multiple child sex crimes made his first court appearance in New Hanover County Friday morning.

Jonathan Ballard, 54, is pastor of the Church of Living God, which until recently, was known as Straightway Ministries.

After a warrant was issued for his arrest, he turned himself in to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and posted a $1 million bond.

Ballard is facing 14 count of indecent liberties with a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor charges.

In court Friday morning, the assistant district attorney revealed the alleged crimes involved three victims between 1995 and 2019. There was a fourth, but that victim has since died so there are no charges pertaining to that victim.

One victim was in 9th grade when he began attending bible study in 1996 at Ballard’s church. Prosecutors say the sexual relationship continued until the victim was 20 years old. The alleged assaults happened in church, Ballard’s mother’s home in Navassa, and in vehicles.

The second victim contacted the sheriff’s office and said the assaults happened in 2000 when he was 15-years-old.

The third victim was between the ages of 11 and 12 when Ballard allegedly fondled her and took photos of her in 2004.

The prosecution wanted to up Ballard’s bond, calling him a flight risk.

The judge kept Ballard’s bond at $1 million. He must surrender his passport, have no contact with minors and cannot leave the state.

Ballard was previously arrested in 2004 on similar charges. They were later dropped.