Post by anointed on Nov 16, 2007 10:10:24 GMT -5
Alpharetta pastor charged with assaulting his wife
Pastor of Alpharetta First Baptist Church assaulted wife, unhooked phone from wall as she called 911
By DOUG NURSE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/15/07
The senior pastor of Alpharetta First Baptist Church was charged with simple assault and obstruction of a 911 call after an altercation with his wife.
Jeff Witcher, leader of the 1,500-member church since 2003, is on administrative leave with pay until further notice, said Deacon Jonathan Wilson.
The arrest shocked the church, one of the oldest and largest in Alpharetta.
"We're heartbroken for his family," Wilson said. "This came out of the blue. We're trying to focus on caring and lifting up the Witcher family and this church. We are taking this seriously. We're not making any quick decisions."
Michael Penn, Jeff Witcher's attorney, said a state court judge, after talking to Shelley Witcher, did not prohibit Witcher from returning to the family home. He is staying with friends, Wilson said.
"I would hope the public wouldn't rush to judgment," Penn said. "There are always more facts than what initially come out."
Police went to the Witcher residence about 1 a.m. Monday because a 911 call was suddenly disconnected. According to a police report, Shelley Witcher said she was asleep when her husband came into the bedroom and began yelling at her.
She said Jeff Witcher pulled her hair, took off her wedding ring and told her to leave the house. Police said Witcher denied pulling her hair.
At one point Witcher picked up a shotgun and stood next to the bed, but never pointed the gun at his wife, the report said. Police found the shotgun was unloaded and a shell lying on the floor.
Shelley Witcher told police she called 911, but her husband unhooked the phone from the wall. When police arrived, Witcher, 39, was standing in the garage next to a vehicle with Shelley Witcher inside.
Church leaders on Wednesday cancelled regular evening services and instead briefed the congregation on what happened and what they plan to do.
As the case works its way through the legal system, guest speakers will offer sermons while other church staff members handle administrative duties.
Pastor of Alpharetta First Baptist Church assaulted wife, unhooked phone from wall as she called 911
By DOUG NURSE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/15/07
The senior pastor of Alpharetta First Baptist Church was charged with simple assault and obstruction of a 911 call after an altercation with his wife.
Jeff Witcher, leader of the 1,500-member church since 2003, is on administrative leave with pay until further notice, said Deacon Jonathan Wilson.
The arrest shocked the church, one of the oldest and largest in Alpharetta.
"We're heartbroken for his family," Wilson said. "This came out of the blue. We're trying to focus on caring and lifting up the Witcher family and this church. We are taking this seriously. We're not making any quick decisions."
Michael Penn, Jeff Witcher's attorney, said a state court judge, after talking to Shelley Witcher, did not prohibit Witcher from returning to the family home. He is staying with friends, Wilson said.
"I would hope the public wouldn't rush to judgment," Penn said. "There are always more facts than what initially come out."
Police went to the Witcher residence about 1 a.m. Monday because a 911 call was suddenly disconnected. According to a police report, Shelley Witcher said she was asleep when her husband came into the bedroom and began yelling at her.
She said Jeff Witcher pulled her hair, took off her wedding ring and told her to leave the house. Police said Witcher denied pulling her hair.
At one point Witcher picked up a shotgun and stood next to the bed, but never pointed the gun at his wife, the report said. Police found the shotgun was unloaded and a shell lying on the floor.
Shelley Witcher told police she called 911, but her husband unhooked the phone from the wall. When police arrived, Witcher, 39, was standing in the garage next to a vehicle with Shelley Witcher inside.
Church leaders on Wednesday cancelled regular evening services and instead briefed the congregation on what happened and what they plan to do.
As the case works its way through the legal system, guest speakers will offer sermons while other church staff members handle administrative duties.
