Worship leader and pastor’s son tagged with alleged sex offenses at Florida school and church

A church-operated school in east Florida is facing scrutiny over its handling of allegations involving two men connected to its leadership. These men, a worship pastor and the son of its senior pastor, are accused of inappropriate behavior with teenage girls years ago.

The allegations against Nathan Hargrave, now 47 and founding pastor of Twelve5 Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are detailed in a police report obtained by The Roys Report. The report stems from an investigation by Ormond Beach police into abuse claims at Riverbend Community Church and its affiliated school, Riverbend Academy, which began in August.

Riverbend had recently severed ties with Heyward Evans Jr., a worship pastor and teacher who admitted to kissing and groping three teenage girls when he was in his late 20s. This prompted investigators to seek out other potential victims. The probe gained attention after a parent of a former student reached out to Peter Bell of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast, leading to the sharing of information with law enforcement.

Although Evans has the most allegations against him, Hargrave is also mentioned in the police report. One woman told investigators that in 1997, when she was around 13, she had intimate encounters with Hargrave, then 19, the son of then-Riverbend Community Church Senior Pastor Roy Hargrave. These interactions went beyond typical teenage behavior, as she recalled Hargrave touching her genital area over her clothing during an event at a pastor’s home. She did not report the incident at the time, fearing it would draw unwanted attention.

A former youth group participant told police that Hargrave had told him, “he could do whatever he wanted with girls if he kept his genitals in his pants.” Another reported that Evans was “very flirtatious” with “young female students.”

At the time of the alleged incidents, Roy Hargrave served as senior pastor at Riverbend Community Church for over 25 years before resigning in 2015 due to health reasons.

The Roys Report attempted to contact Nathan Hargrave multiple times but did not receive a response. Police noted that he did not answer their calls. The investigation continues, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in church leadership. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humility, reminding us that leaders must act with integrity and care for those under their guidance.

Source: Read the original report