Thursday's Internet Edition, August 28, 2008.
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Publisher - A former youth leader at a Spencer church has been charged with sex abuse.
Donald “Joey” Shreve, 37, accompanied by his attorney, appeared in Roane Magistrate Court Friday to answer the charges filed against him last month.
The former Spencer resident now lives in Salesville, Ohio, according to court records.
Shreve was charged with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian as well as sex abuse in the 3rd degree, assault and battery. Trooper F.L. Hammack of the State Police detachment in Spencer filed the charges.
Shreve was a youth leader at Spencer Baptist Temple when the alleged incident occurred in July of last year, the charges claim.
Another youth leader at the church reportedly witnessed Shreve grab an 11-year-old girl by the arms in the church gymnasium.
The charges claim Shreve held the girls’ arms at her side, swinging her back and forth while making inappropriate contact between her body and his.
The girl managed to get free, but Shreve grabbed her and did it again, the charges claim.
The other youth leader who allegedly witnessed the incident found the girl’s father, who removed his daughter from the area.
Police first questioned Shreve about the incident in October, when he agreed to cooperate with the investigation. Sometime after the discussion, he moved out of state.
Shreve and attorney, James Cagle of Charleston, appeared before Roane Magistrate Denver Gandee Jr. Friday, when Shreve’s bond was set at $11,100.
Shreve was released on bond while awaiting a preliminary hearting.
