Print

Minister pleads guilty in Phoenix molestation case

Associated Press/March 8, 2011

Phoenix - A former Jehovah's Witness minister accused of molesting a Phoenix teenager 30 years ago has pleaded guilty in the case.

Maricopa County prosecutors said Tuesday that David Clarke Nelson pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

The 63-year-old Clarke will be sentenced April 7. It's not immediately clear what sentence range he's facing.

Nelson was arrested last November by Phoenix police after the victim decided to report the incidents, which allegedly occurred between September and November 1980.

Police say Nelson acknowledged his involvement and the ex-church elder apologized in a phone call to the victim, who was then 14 and now is a married adult.

Authorities say Nelson was ordained as a Jehovah's Witness minister in 1979. He has since retired from the church.

To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.

Disclaimer