Church supports pastor accused in sex crime

FRANKLIN – Members of a Malaga church on Sunday rose to the defense of a pastor accused of sexually assaulting a young woman.

"We want to let Satan know and the world know that we love our pastor," Elder Freddie Alexander told an applauding congregation at New Life in Christ Ministries, according to a video of services posted at the church's website.

The church's pastor, James E. Simmons Jr., is accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman over a four-year period. Simmons turned himself in to Franklin police Wednesday.

Simmons, a 64-year-old Franklin resident, was charged with sex assault, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child.

In a sermon, Alexander acknowledged the congregation of the Delsea Drive church might include some "nay-sayers."

"Think what you want, we're going to trust God," Alexander said as congregants applauded. "In the pit of my heart I know we're going to be exonerated."

Simmons did not appear on the website video. Alexander said the pastor had told him he is praying for his accuser.

"He helps people; he loves people," Alexander said of the accused pastor. "And because of who he loves, Satan's trying to get him."

Simmons, a married father of five with 11 grandchildren, has led the church since 1981, according to the website. An Air Force veteran, he previously was a pastor in the Philippines.

Reach Jim Walsh at jwalsh@courierpostonline.com or (856) 486-2646. Tweet him @jimwalsh_cp