Thursday, August 23, 2007

Sexual Battery Indictments Handed Down Against Lawrenceburg Pastor

   A Lawrenceburg preacher accused of sexually assaulting some of his parishioners was arrested last week on indictments handed down by the Lawrence County Grand Jury.

   The indictments against John Olivares, age 67, of 370 Tripp Road, were handed down on Thursday, August 2. Arrest reports indicate that Olivares came to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, August 22, to accept service of the indictments. A native of Longmont, Texas, Olivares serves as pastor of Cathedral of Faith church, located at 335 Third Street, Lawrenceburg.

    Olivares was indicted on a total of eleven charges, including nine counts of sexual battery and two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure. The four listed victims include two adult females and two teenage females who, at the time the incidents occurred were ages 16 and 17. The incidents allegedly occurred between August, 2006 and March of this year.

   In connection with the sexual battery charges, indictments allege that Olivares, “…did unlawfully, intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, and forcibly or coercively engage in sexual contact,” with the victims.

   The sexual battery by an authority figure charges allege the same, adding that, “at the time of the offense, (Olivares was) in a position of trust, or had supervisory or disciplinary powers over,” the victims.

   Arrest reports show that Olivares was booked and processed through the Lawrence County Jail “without incident.” At the present time he remains free under bond.

   Olivares is slated to answer the charges through Lawrence County Circuit Court at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 4.

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