Pastor in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Charged With Electronic Solicitation of a Child in Undercover Operation

James Gorman Houston III, a Tuscaloosa pastor and former business school instructor at the University of Alabama, has been charged with electronic solicitation of a child and traveling to meet a minor for a sex act, according to Patch reporting. Houston is 66, according to one report. The charges stem from an undercover operation by the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force. These are charges and allegations, and they have not been tried in court.

According to a deposition obtained by Patch, Houston engaged with a profile on an online dating app that was operated by an undercover officer posing as a minor under the age of sixteen. After being told the supposed minor’s age, Houston allegedly responded with sexually explicit language. One report adds that Houston’s messages allegedly included stated intentions to teach and help the minor and detailed sexual acts they would engage in. Protecting children from exploitation reflects a duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The reports agree that arrangements were made the following day for a meeting at an undisclosed location in Tuscaloosa County. They differ on the final approach. One report states that, upon arrival, Houston approached an undercover law enforcement officer whom he believed to be the minor. The other states that Houston was arrested after attempting to meet with the undercover officer.

Patch’s deposition account states that after being taken into custody, Houston was read his Miranda rights and acknowledged his actions. That account is drawn from the deposition, and the report attributes it to that source.

Houston served as pastor at First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa from 2012 to 2019. Reports also state that he was a senior management instructor at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business for 12 years. One report describes his university role as senior instructor of management.