John Martin of Florence has resigned as pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Florence.

Alabama pastor charged with child sex abuse after church members report him

A prosecutor says an Alabama pastor has been charged with felony sexual abuse after church members reported him to authorities.John Martin of Lighthouse Baptist Church is in the Lauderdale County on $60,000 bond. The 41-year-old minister had served for nine years as pastor of the church in Florence. Lauderdale County Assistant District Attorney Angie Hamilton said Martin resigned from the church on June 23 and told church members that he had inappropriate relationships with young men. Church members reported him to authorities, who began an investigation through One Place of the Shoals. Hamilton says Martin is charged with four counts of felony sexual abuse involving victims younger than 16 and more charges could be filed.So far only one victim has been reported. Authorities want to hear from anyone else who has information about any victims.It was not immediately known if Martin had an attorney.

A prosecutor says an Alabama pastor has been charged with felony sexual abuse after church members reported him to authorities.

John Martin of Lighthouse Baptist Church is in the Lauderdale County on $60,000 bond.


The 41-year-old minister had served for nine years as pastor of the church in Florence.

Lauderdale County Assistant District Attorney Angie Hamilton said Martin resigned from the church on June 23 and told church members that he had inappropriate relationships with young men.

Church members reported him to authorities, who began an investigation through One Place of the Shoals.

Hamilton says Martin is charged with four counts of felony sexual abuse involving victims younger than 16 and more charges could be filed.

So far only one victim has been reported. Authorities want to hear from anyone else who has information about any victims.

It was not immediately known if Martin had an attorney.