ID Pastor Charged With Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse
At least six women have accused Gregory Wayne Jones of abuse
An Idaho pastor has been charged with human sex trafficking and forcible penetration after reaching a plea agreement with local prosecutors.
Gregory Wayne Jones / Photo courtesy of Elmore County Sheriff’s Office
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story details instances of sexual abuse that readers might find disturbing.
Gregory Wayne Jones, former pastor of Liberty Christian Fellowship Church in Mountain Home, Idaho, has been accused of using his position to abuse women connected to the church. Jones claimed it was a part of the healing process for the victims who sought counseling from him.
An unsealed affidavit discloses disturbing details of how Jones sought out and abused his victims.
According to the affidavit, “Jones exploited vulnerable women through private ‘spiritual sessions’ he called ‘The Process’ at both the church and its affiliated daycare, the NXT Dream Center.”
Joshua Strong, a detective with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, told Idaho News 6 the investigation into Jones’ actions began in January after a woman came forward claiming abuse during a counseling session with Jones.
Another woman told investigators the pastor “digitally penetrated” her multiple times. She asked Jones to stop, but he refused, claiming it was part of her healing journey, according to Idaho News 6.
He claimed to be a “spiritual father” to his victims, threatening them with demonic attacks and public humiliation, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also goes into detail about charges related to human trafficking. The document says Jones told two women to recruit other potential victims who also needed “spiritual healing” — especially women who had a history of abuse or trauma.
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The investigators say much of the abuse happened on the church campus — either in the church office or the restroom.
At Jones’ preliminary hearing on August 1, at least 20 members of Liberty Christian Fellowship Church gathered to support the survivors and speak out against Jones.
One of the survivors spoke with Idaho News 6 following the hearing. “I want to remind you, Satan, that righteousness will win,” the survivor said. “We will speak loudly against this enemy and he will be destroyed.”
“He tried to put himself in the place of God,” another woman said. “He is not God. He is a man.”
At least six women have come forward with allegations against Jones, one of whom was 17 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
Jones’ next hearing will be held on August 18.
EDITOR’S NOTE: MinistryWatch exists to help donors become more effective stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. So, why does MinistryWatch report on sex crimes? These stories are tough to read and sometimes even tougher to report, but we think they are vital to our mission to bring transparency, accountability, and credibility to the evangelical church. Donors who are supporting these ministries need to know this information. Ministry leaders and others can learn lessons from these stories. Victims feel supported. To read more about why and how we report these stories, read “Why MinistryWatch Reports On Sex Crimes.”
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