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Local ADAs tied to NC church abuse investigation off the job

By Dave Faherty, wsoctv.com
By Dave Faherty, wsoctv.com

MORGANTON, N.C. — District Attorney David Learner announced Friday that two Assistant District Attorneys are no longer employed by the 25th Judicial District, which covers Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.

Frank Webster and Chris Back are accused of providing legal advice to a Rutherford County church that has recently come under fire for abuse, according to an Associated Press report.

[RELATED: Ex-sect members tell AP: Prosecutors obstructed abuse cases]

“I, along with my staff, have worked very hard in the past two years to rebuild the reputation of the DA’s Office, and I cannot allow the integrity of the office to be called into question,” Learner said. “My administration is dedicated to the fair and impartial administration of criminal justice for the citizens of Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties.”

The Word of Faith Fellowship in Spindale has been the focus of repeated investigations for decades after former members accused the church of a violent form of deliverance to purify sinners.

Former church member John Huddle said Friday the church was like a cult.

"I believe it has the characteristics of behavior modification information control,” Huddle said. “Thought control and emotional control."

Former church members claimed they were punched, choked and even thrown against the walls, according to the AP.

[AP Exclusive: Ex-congregants reveal years of ungodly abuse at NC church]

But the church has continued to operate, unscathed despite multiple investigations.

Former church members told the AP that Webster and Back, who were both church ministers, provided legal advice, helped at strategy sessions and participated in a mock trial for four congregants charged with harassing a former member.

Under North Carolina law, prosecutors cannot provide legal advice in outside cases in any manner. Offering legal advice in an ongoing investigation to help a person avoid prosecution could lead to criminal charges.

Learner has requested an SBI investigation. He also announced that since Webster and Back are no longer employed, ADA Lance Sigmon will be the Chief ADA in Burke County, and Kyle Smith will be the Chief ADA in Catawba County.

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