Church volunteer accused of playing strip poker with boys out of jail

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — "We don't have any comment at this time, thank you," said Clyde Way's attorney as he and Way were walking out of the Brunswick County jail Tuesday.

But back home in his Albemarle neighborhood, one of Way's neighbors did want to speak, in support of the man police charged with multiple sex crimes.

"I couldn't believe it and I still can't believe it," said Stella Campelo, Way's neighbor.

Stella Campelo says she has lived next door to Way and his wife for years. She says they are more than neighbors, they are like family.

Court documents say that the 68-year-old man made four boys under the age of 14 play strip poker and strip war. Police say it happened while Way was a chaperone of local youth at a church camp in Brunswick County. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office says he is charged with sex exploit of a minor and indecent liberties with a child.

While the allegations against Way are strong, Campelo says she doesn't believe they are true.

"It's strong, but like I said I don't believe them. I have children and I would feel safe with them around him," she said.

She says she is glad that a judge lowered Way's bond Tuesday and that he was able to get out of jail. She couldn't be in court today but says she did send a letter.

"In support of him because I'd like to see him home, where he belongs," Campelo.

Before Way left the jail Tuesday he did get a visitor. Pastor Chris Allen told our ABC affiliate in Wilmington that he worked alongside Way at Baptist Association Events. He says he went to see Way for answers Tuesday, concerned about these allegations.

"My fear is as long as Clyde has worked with teenage boys. I want him to come clean with God and come clean with the law and if there is more than the boys that have come forward, I just encourage Clyde to tell his attorney," said Pastor Allen.

Eyewitness News reported earlier this month that the church group Way was volunteering with, the Stanly Baptist Association, has removed him from his position and is planning a workshop for churches. Eyewitness News has also learned that Way was a part-time employee at the Stanly County YMCA and that he has been let go from there.

WSOC