Watch Online

Watch Online
LIVE: newscasts on the Web

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Another Woman Claims Molestation At Hands Of Pastor

POSTED: Tuesday, May 23, 2006

A woman who said she has been quietly suffering for six excruciating decades with memories of being molested by a former Jacksonville pastor breaks her silence after others come forward.

Dr. Robert Gray, 80, the former Trinity Baptist Church of Jacksonville pastor, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of capital sexual battery after two of his alleged victims reported he abused them when they were 6 years old.

Robert Gray
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Robert Gray
VIDEO
Former Pastor Remains In Jail
Two women, now in their 30s, told police Gray molested them in his office at Trinity Christian School on the Westside. They claimed Gray would then offer them money and candy.

After seeing a story on TV about Gray, Mary Lou Hall, 67, called Channel 4 and said she was also a victim of the pastor.

Hall said Gray preyed on her when he was a young assistant pastor at a church in Hampton, Fla. She said the abuse occurred in 1949 and that she never returned to the church after the incident.

"He pulled up right over there and went to get me out of the car, and that's when the incident happened," Hall said. "I was 9 years old. I was a baby."

Hall said she never talked about the alleged incident until she was an adult. However, she said hearing the other alleged victim's stories gave her the courage to come forward with her own.

"He tried to grab my breast, and it really scared me," Hall said. "I'm a Christian, and for him to do that … I'm just so worried about all the other little girls."

Hall said when Gray fondled her he was working at the Hampton Baptist Church as an assistant minister and that he also worked with children.

She said she always worried and wondered about what happened to Gray.

"God knows, but I don't know how many he's harmed, and it really has worried me for years and years," Hall said.

Although Hall cannot press charges because too much time has passed since the alleged incident, she said she shared her story because she wants Gray to pay for what he did.

"I would like for him to go to jail and stay there," Hall said.

Gray remains in jail without bond.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Don’t believe everything people tell you about home improvement. Check out the top 4 myths and stop throwing away your money. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Living well with type-1 or type-2 diabetes can be easier than you might think. Use our diabetes resource guide. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideoClick to Expand

    • Deputies: Man In Car Offered 10-Year-Old Girl Ride Home

      W.E. Cherry Elementary School in Orange ParkThe principal of W.E. Cherry Elementary School in Orange Park sent out a letter to parents Thursday after a report of a man in a car offering a girl a ride home.

    • Hot Wok Closed, Carrabba's Warned

      Restaurant Report CardRoaches got a Westside Chinese restaurant closed for a day and state food-safety inspectors found more than a dozen critical violations at a chain Italian grill.

    • What Does It Take To Carry A Gun?

      Rob Sweeting fires gunWhether it's a fear of increased gun control or a perceived rise in crime, the numbers show more people than ever are buying guns and getting permits to carry them. At least one area sheriff thinks that's a good trend.

    • Man Guilty Of Murder In Woman's Death

      David Martin On TrialA man accused of beating a woman with a hammer and dumping her body was found guilty of murder Thursday evening.

    • Oh No! Oprah Fans Sound Off

      Oprah WinfreyOprah's Chicago fans react to the announcement she'll be ending her syndicated talk show in 2011.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Who Can Fill Oprah's Shoes?

      TV's talk queen takes a break from syndicated talk. Is there anyone out there who can wear her crown?

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'

    • Heidi Klum Wows At Victoria's Secret Show

      Heidi Klum and her post-baby body led the parade at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show, which returned to New York with some fresh faces after four years on the road.

    • Cheerleaders Rally Troops

      Sweethearts for SoldiersTwenty eight NFL and NBA cheerleaders use their dance skills and personalities to raise the morale of soldiers both at home and overseas.

    • Oprah's Memorable TV Moments

      Oprah WinfreyHere is a look back at some of the career highlights of Oprah Winfrey's career on television.