CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — Brandon Carter, a former youth and music pastor, resigned his post Tuesday, not long after his first appearance on charges of statutory rape and indecent liberties with a minor.
Carter's pastor cautioned the public to reserve judgment.
“Let he that is without sin among you cast the first stone,” said Pastor Wayne Key with Mt Zion Baptist Church.
Investigators said the alleged rape is not connected to the church in Cherryville. The accuser is an acquaintance of Carter.
Key said Carter resigned so the church is not scrutinized.
“We love him. We support him,” Key said. “We believe him to say that these charges are false."
The charges are from an alleged incident in 2004. The accuser, who was 13 at the time, said Carter took advantage of her at his former home on Amity Church Road in Lincoln County.
“She just needed to come clean with what had happened and it helps her,” said Lt. Tim Johnson with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
Detectives said they could not give details about the case, but that it has been thoroughly investigated.
Investigators said they have no indications that Carter abused children at the church and there are no other accusers.
Carter is scheduled to be back in court on the charges on April 10.
WSOC
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