Jacksonville Pastor Charged with Child Sex Abuse Denied Bail

A Jacksonville pastor charged with child sexual battery was denied bail at a May 17 hearing after a judge called him a flight risk and a danger to the community, despite pastors around the country writing letters vouching for his character.

Paul Brady Dyal, the 78-year-old pastor of Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ, was arrested in March and charged with capital sexual battery on a child 11 or younger. He pleaded not guilty April 5.

At Dyal’s bail hearing, the state said defendants were “extremely scared for their safety,” First Coast News reported.

Also being held in conjunction with the case are Jerome Teschendorf, 68, and Vernon Williamson, 85, who are charged with capital sexual battery.

The three men were arrested after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit followed up on a tip regarding possible sexual abuse occurring at the church. An investigation revealed alleged sexual and physical abuse of minors spanning a period of more than 30 years involving numerous victims and possibly additional suspects.

Teschendorf and Williamson were arrested in Oklahoma.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here.

Eight alleged victims shared stories of mental, emotional, and financial abuse at the church at a press conference in March, saying they were subjected to cult-like rules about their appearance and behavior, including being sexually molested as minors, beaten with paddles, “courted” by men within the church who were twice their age, and isolated from the outside world. 

The investigation was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Marshals, State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

The prosecution noted at the bail hearing that because Dyal owns a tour bus and has ties to churches around the country, he could drive the bus to remote locations where it would be difficult to find him if he were granted bail.

Attorneys also said that because he lives at the church, there is no way to keep Dyal separated from children, victims, and witnesses who attend Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ, many of whom are intimidated by him and are fearful of him being released, or from his own grandchildren. 

Dyal could face life in prison if convicted.