Ex-Pastor and Two Men Face Sexual Battery Charges in Church Abuse Investigation, Court Appearances Scheduled

Three men who face charges of sexual battery in an investigation into “long-term sexual and physical abuse of minors” in a church are scheduled to appear before a judge this month. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests as part of a coordinated effort to address allegations of abuse within the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ on Old Kings Road North.

Paul Dyal, the former pastor of the church, was arrested on a charge of capital sexual battery during a raid in March. At the same time, warrants were served in Oklahoma for Jerome Teschendorf, arrested in Newalla, Oklahoma, and Vernon Williamson, arrested in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Both Teschendorf and Williamson were also charged with capital sexual battery.

The state has requested that Teschendorf remain in custody pending his pretrial hearing. A motion filed in July cited his two capital sexual battery charges, his ability to leave the state, and a redacted court record indicating he made a confession to investigators. The motion underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for continued detention to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.

According to Teschendorf’s arrest report, he sexually abused a survivor who reported him to Dyal “hundreds of times over many years.” The survivor told police that Teschendorf admitted to her he knew what he was doing was wrong and would ask for her forgiveness but said he “had a sickness and could not stop.” When she informed Dyal about the abuse, he allegedly threatened her family with financial hardship if she pursued legal action against Teschendorf.

The survivor later provided additional details to police, stating that Teschendorf forced her to do his laundry and iron his clothes. If she failed to meet his standards, he would punish her with sexual abuse. She also reported that Teschendorf threatened her with physical punishment if she refused to perform sex acts. These accounts highlight the severity of the alleged abuse and the systemic nature of the misconduct within the church.

Dyal is scheduled to appear in court Monday. His attorney has filed motions to set bonds, citing health concerns, including a history of heart trouble, long-term COVID-19, and the lack of necessary medication while in custody. During a hearing on his motion to reconsider pretrial release, attorneys presented a study on the effects of aging on recidivism among federal offenders, suggesting that Dyal’s age and health conditions may influence the court’s decision.

The case raises important questions about accountability within religious institutions and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for defending the rights of the vulnerable and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice, mercy, and the well-being of those affected.

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