WV pastor admits molesting; Victims respond

For immediate release: Monday, January 6, 2013

Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director, 314-503-0003 [email protected]

We are grateful that Rev. Johnnie Winnell of Kanawha County has admitted molesting a girl and will likely be imprisoned. That's the best way to protect kids - locking up child predators

http://www.wsaz.com/news/charlestonnews/headlines/Charleston-Pastor-Faces-Prison-Time-in-Sexual-Abuse-Case-238884371.html

We are also grateful to the brave girl and her family. It's crucial that victims find the courage and strength to call police and cooperate with prosecutors.

We hope that every current and former member and employee at United Methodist Gospel Church in Charleston will aggressively seek out others who Rev. Winnell may have hurt and beg them to call law enforcement. It's possible that Rev. Winnell could face more charges. And it's possible others at the church could be charged with ignoring or concealing his crimes.

Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]),Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, [email protected])

SNAP Network is a GuideStar Gold Participant