Preacher Arrested For Sex Abuse HIV Positive
Preacher Arrested For Sex Abuse HIV Positive Save Email Print
Posted: 6:17 PM Jan 5, 2009
Last Updated: 6:29 PM Jan 5, 2009

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Kentucky State Police say a preacher arrested for sexual abuse is HIV positive.

Police arrested James Howard Bell last month for abusing a child who was under 16-years old.

Bell is the pastor at the Refuge Temple Church of God in Christ in Shelby County.

Police say they believe Bell turned himself in because he believed a victim would come forward to incriminate him.

The church has not commented on the case.

Bell continues to be held in the Shelby County Jail on a $50,000 full cash bond.

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Posted by: Young Believer Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:44 AM
I will love to be apart ( Two-Sides ),and I will tell others.

Posted by: Two-Sides Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Everyone that believes in prayer please pray this Sunday 1/11/2009 for this child and family and other people that are in need. Please pass the word to others about this day.

Posted by: Young Believer Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 8, 2009 at 04:38 PM
I'm happy to see some are starting to write back supporting things for the child and their family, but A location from this day forward I will pray for you.

Posted by: GERRI MAYBERRY Location: LEXINGTON , KENTUCKY on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:56 AM
PRAISE THE LORD EVERYBODY: WE SHOULDN'T BEAT UP ON EACH OTHER , BUT WE SHOULD PRAY 4 THIS CHILD AND HIS FAMILY. AND YES SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT THEIR IS NO GOD AND THAT IS ONES CHOICE. SO LETS NOT FIGHT EACH OTHER ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR THE PLACE. HEBREWS 10 AND 30 SAYS:FOR WE KNOW HIM WHO SAID , IT IS MINE TO AVENGE , I WILL REPAY , AND AGAIN , THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE. VENGEANCE IS MINE SAID THE LORD. YES THIS PASTER MAY NEVER HAVE TO ANSWER TO MEN BUT HE WILL ANSWER TO THE LORD. SO EVERYBODY LETS JUST KEEP THIS CHILD AND IT'S FAMILY IN PRAYER. EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO HIS OR HER ON OPINION AND WE MUST EXCEPT THAT EVEN IF WE DON'T AGREE. PEACE , BLESSINGS AND 1 LOVE 2 ALL. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Posted by: A Location: Lexingotn on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:40 AM
I amjust saying prayer will do nothing for this child its family or this preacher. I am not running scared. I am not afraid of god his vengence the return of jesus or any of that other stuff you all preach and prosletise. This is my last post in this thread at least. May the power of Thor Embarce you all. He was around thousands of years before your so called God.....

Posted by: Two-Sides Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:24 PM
What are we writing about! Is it for the support of the CHILD, or Nanny's bad spelling, Fnord's - obtuseness, Lex1976 and Concern Citizen - "the Fabric Critic's" Bill's - chicken/zipper fetish, and A - Seek God. Get back to writing supporting things for the CHILD, and their family.

Posted by: concern citizen Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:33 PM
TO MR/MS PEACE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH ,I'VE SEEN THIS GUY TOO.I TOLD PEOPLE HE LOOKED LIKE A FREAK. AND FOR ALL YALL SATIN IS BADDD TOO,IT MAKE MY BACK SIDE ITCH. THE NANNY IS RIGHT

Posted by: concern citizen Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:10 PM
its true God will get him,BUT AS THE SAYING GOES "GIVE YOUR SOUL TO GOD ,BUT YOUR #$* BELONGS TO ME. I HOPE THEY KICK HIS %#* IN JAIL!! AMEN

Posted by: Doris Location: Perry on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:10 PM
God was there for the child. He gave him strength and he held his hand the devil is what progresses this, and ignorant people who dont believe in God. You know set down and read you're Bible maybe then you would know God doesnt make people do stupid things people do that on their own. If God wasnt thrown down from our school systems , judical systems and etc. then maybe all this wouldn't happen . Dont down God . He is the only one you can really count on. He is the best . Try loving him sometime instead of downing him. It will make youre life a lot better. Less negative. God Bless you I will pray for you

Posted by: Believer Location: Kentucky on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:06 PM
It never ceases to amaze me how so many unbelievers flock to post comments about anything that they think God should have done or not done. If you will take the time to read the Bible you will read that God gave us free will. We have the free will to believe in Him or not, to do whats right or not. It is my personal opinion that unbelievers are running scared...so they blame God and bash Christians. I pray each day for my fellow man as we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So like it or not....all you unbelivers....you have people praying for you. This is to NANNY78....Keep your faith and don't let others rude remarks hurt your feelings. And so what if your spelling is not always correct....we Christians know what you mean. God bless one and all in Jesus name.

Posted by: NANNY Location: WARBRANCH,KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:14 PM
OMG I CANT BELIVE THIS HAPPEN THATS WHY I DONT GO TO CHURCH YOU CANT TRUST THE PREACHER NOW DAY JUST TAKE ALOOK PEOPLE WHO CAN WE TRUST BUT THE LORD.NO MAN MAN DONT TAKE US TO HEAVEN BUT (GOD DOES)

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:03 PM
This is in response to the comment by Richmond KY on 1/6/09. Just because this minister is of the same race as Obama does not mean he is a mentor of Obama. Kentucky is such a racist state with ignorant people that live here. When a white man is accused of sexual abuse no one says he is Bush's mentor. I think we all need to get on our knees to pray for each other. To pray for intelligence, wisdom, health,forgiveness, etc. These are praying times we are living in. There are sick individuals everywhere, in the streets, churches, banks, educational institutions, etc.and we need to educate on children on when an adult (man or woman) bothers them inappropriately to let their parents know. We need to have an open door policy with our children. Let them know that adults in authority do things that are not right.

Posted by: JEROME Location: FRANKFORT on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:04 PM
NANNY WHERE WAS GOD WHEN THIS MOLESTATION WAS TAKING PLACE. HE SHOULD HAVE STEPPED IN IF ALL YOU SAY IS TRUE.

Posted by: A Location: Lexingotn on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Nope not angry quite a happy person Just a fellow non believer here. It was not much of a sacrifice if you knew all along that you would be coming back from the dead that is why I refer to Easter as National Zombie Awareness Day =) Anyways..... So your saying as long as this dude is sincere and compasionate when he asks god for forgiveness that you will have to be next to him in heaven. No thanks sounds pretty hipocritical to me as are all christians and faith believers. All of you like to over look the atrocities that your religions have created.

Posted by: Lance Location: Georgetown on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Obviously this man was not the devout Christian he thought he was. True children of God will refrain from evil and will turn away from any sight of sin. I pray for this man to give his life to Jesus and rededicate his soul because it's just a matter of time before Jesus comes back to gather His people.

Posted by: fnord Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:04 PM
to "A Location" - wow...that was so well worded. To "Nanny78" - haha...there's hardly a need to reply to what you said as the proof is in your pudding. But you all are right -- prayer isn't gonna save the kid molested by someone in power. Plain and simple, if there's a god, She let it happen. That sucks. Remember, your god created all that exists. Bad things exist. Your god is the source of said evil. Get over it.

Posted by: john Location: Lex on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Hey "Nanny" wats wrong with satin, I love my satin sheets....I think your beef is with Satan...Just curious

Posted by: Satan Location: Way Down South on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Please spell my name right! Satin is a type of fabric; my name is Satan - no "I" in my name. Thanks for clearing that up Lex1976. I'll give you an air-conditioned room if you end up down here but I doubt you will.

Posted by: peace Location: ky on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I just can't believe this I've known this man since I was a child, his wife is the most humblist woman I ever known. I know people that attend that church and they truly love God. I just don't know what to say. My heart is truly broken.

Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:50 PM
To A: You seem to be a very angry person.

Posted by: NANNY78 Location: KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Posted by: Lex1976 Location: Lex ....JUST SAY THERE WAS NOT A GOD WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE IN THIS WORLD AT ALL, AND YES MY FRIEND GOD MAKES THE BABIES. WHO DO YOU THINK PUT JESUS IN MARRY WOMB? MAN AND WOMEN MAY MAKE THE BODY BUT WHO DO YOU THINK GIVES THE SOULS. BUT YOU THINK HOW YOU WANT, I WILL PRAY FOR YOU, THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL LOOK BACK AND REMEMBER THIS THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK HE ISN'T. AND AS FOR GOD NOT PARDON PEOPLE HE TOLD THE MURDER BESIDE HIM ON THE CROSS ON THIS DAYS YOU SHALL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE. HE IS A FORGIVE GOD AND WILL FORGIVE ANYONE AS LONG AS THEY SHALL ASK AND MEAN IT. I AM 30 YEARS OLD AND I THANK GOD EVERYDAY I WAKE UP KNOWING HE IS THERE FOR ME WHEN NO ONE ELSE HAS TIME FOR ME. GOD WILL BE THERE TO CONFORT THIS CHILD WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS GONE. BUT I CAN SAY THIS HE NEEDS TO BE LOCKED UP IN JAIL AND THE KEY THREW AWAY. MAY GOD CONFORT THE PARENTS THREW THIS HORRIBLE TIME IN THERE CHILD LIFE, MY CHURCH WILL BE PRAYING!!!!

Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:32 AM
One man working accomplishes more than a thousand on their knees in prayer!! Get up and do something about it. Prayer is not going to make this situation better!!!

Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Well your parents were the ones who birthed you and it was not God nanny. It takes a man and a woman to make a baby. Atleast that is what they teach you in school. Why would an omnipatant God let a lesser being create such harm to a people that he is supposed to love. "Rational arguments dont work on religous people. Otherwise we would have no religous people." Gregory House M.D. I am sorry for your pain that you experienced as a child but god or jesus will not pardon these people nor prevent this from happening. Satin is not your answer look to the parents! and the Religion!

Posted by: A TRUE MOMMY Location: PRESTONSBURG on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:39 AM
I am a mommy, and I pray each and everyday for our children! Seems like everything BAD we read about envolves our kids, I pray the Lord hold this child and the heeling begins, just looking at this man's pic makes me sick, we as parents need to watch who our kids are around, where they go, what they are doing! Get involved in there lives as much as possible, hold them, pray with them, TELL THEM HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM EACH AND EVERYDAY! I think death is really too good for this man, but we need to do something drastic, all pull together as a Country and PROTECT OUR KIDS! GOD BLESS ALL!

Posted by: Lex1976 Location: Lex on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:38 AM
To nanny78...why are you hating on satin? It's a perfectly lovely fabric. Makes nice sheets. Typical of the christian intellect.

Posted by: Shiro Location: Floyd County on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:14 AM
God bless this child and it's parents.Not only do they have to deal with the sex abuse,but knowing this evil devil is HIV positive.And their child was exposed!Yep,he was smart in turning his self in,but there are men in jail who want take this lightly.The devil will come in many forms,this is only one form,with serious damage to a child.EVERYONE PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS CHILD.

Posted by: Cathy Location: melvin on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:08 PM
It makes me sick to see this sicko's face. child molestation is a horrific crime and until society starts making these F&*%ing SOB's pay for their sins child abuse and molestation will continue to happen..

Posted by: steve on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:06 PM
To fnord these people hide in any business it could be a preacher a teacher a banker it does not matter.

Posted by: Bill on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:55 PM
You know the old saying here in Ky. when you see the preacher leaving he is either wipeing the chicken from his fingers or zipping up his fly.

Posted by: Young Believer Location: Lexington,KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:16 PM
I am asking for everyone to pray for the child, and the sick man, because true men of GOD will stand up to evil. This man must have being one of those who God called "went - wents are people that will go out on their own and make a mess of God's name,works, and cause other to look at other believers funny, but please know that people like that are not sent by GOD or Obama (Zatoichi, Fnord )but by satan! The Law is weak, and children, Women, and Men do need a stronger Laws to protect them from events like this, as way as other weak Law we have on the books, but GOD is not weak, and that sick man that perverted the word of GOD will be dealt with by GOD. I am sorry to hear of such things, but GOD can take you through this. Like he has for ME. Hold on child.

Posted by: veiwer on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:53 PM
this is why I dont trust any preachers

Posted by: concern citizen Location: lex on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:25 PM
there is alot of funny business at that church.I think this just is just the tip.someone needs to look at that church.

Posted by: nanny78 Location: KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:34 PM
this goes out to( Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:55 PM) and others. I was done that way all my life and I do not blame God he has made me strong if it was not for him I would not be here. I was was done in ways not even imagined from age 3 and up. God does not cause these things to happen SATIN my friend is what buts this evil in peoples heads. So pray to God that he be with this child to make it through this horrible time in its life don't blame God for SATINS doings.

Posted by: duuuuuu Location: pike co. on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:17 PM
there are no strict laws against child abusers because ,our law makers are afraid to incrimanate their self.end of story

Posted by: PARENT on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:59 PM
It does not matter what sex, race, creed, etc the child (children) and him are. The bottom line is this, he needs to be put to death. That is the whole problem with criminals we cater to them instead of punishing them.

Posted by: jerome Location: frankfort on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:15 PM
who cares if the child is male or female. i say he needs to get the death penalty. if you mess with children you should die. nevermind that he has aids that just makes it worse. lethal injection. kill him and make an example. maybe if these sick sob's actually had to face their maker they might change their minds. if it doesn't death penalty let the pervs and child molester rot in h**l.

Posted by: Mother Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:56 PM
If we had the death penalty for all child abusers this would stop.

Posted by: GERRI Location: LEXINGTON on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:47 PM
TO MOM POSTED ON JAN 6 : I'M SORRY FOR CALLING THIS CHILD A LITTLE GIRL BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE VERY WELL BEEN A LITTLE BOY. BUT WHAT EVER THE SEX OF THE CHILD IS THIS IS SO SAD AND HE WILL PAY FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE. PEACE , BLESSINGS AND 1 LOVE 2 ALL.

Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:09 PM
To those who may not have read the story closely, it doesn't say if the child was male or female. I would like to remind all of you that, from what I have heard doctors say on news programs, it is unlikely that there is only one victim. They don't just one day, all of a sudden, just decide to molest a child. There are usually many more victims. As for him getting "the chair", that won't happen because it is no longer used in KY. But, it is my opinion that it should be used, and if not, then they should bring back hanging. I think he turned himself in because he knew it was just a matter of time before he was found out. This garbage goes on in ALL religions, and all groups of people, whether they are rich or poor, and regardless of their race, employment or anything else.

Posted by: A Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Well where was your all powerful god when this poor child was being raped. Hmmm.... Must have been in Gaza watching his holy war on youtube.com!!

Posted by: KyMom Location: Salyersville on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:50 PM
This makes me sick!!!!!! I hope that the child doesn't have to suffer from what this monster did to them. This world has gone to he** in a handbag but I look for the world to start turning toward vigilante justice if crimes and punishment don't start evening out.

Posted by: fnord Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Of cours religion breeds perverses...and beatings...and wars...and descriminations...and silly superstitions...and all kinds of other ignorance. God save us from your followers. Also fred, you shouldn't be jealous about the lack of outrage on this one when the catholic pervs were scolded. This guy is getting justly flogged too. Pervs hit all faiths -- not just catholics.

Posted by: Joey Location: Lex on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Fred....WELL SAID!

Posted by: GERRI Location: LEXINGTON on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I PRAY THAT THIS CHILD WILL BE FREE OF ALL GERMS AND THAT SHE DOSEN'T TURN UP 2 BE HIV ALSO I PRAY FOR THIS PREACHER BECAUSE HE IS A VERY SICK MAN. I WILL NOT JUDGE HIM BECAUSE HE WILL ANSWER TO GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE. I PRAY THAT THIS CHURCH IS ABLE AND WILL GO ON IN THE NAME JESUS. LORD PLEASE KEEP THIS CHILD MIND AND LET HER BE STONG IN YOU. GIVE THIS FAMILY PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING. LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE STILL GOD AND THAT YOU LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM. AS FOR THIS SO CALLED PREACHER YOU WILL HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR HIS FORGIVENESS BECAUSE I HOPE THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE FREE AGAIN TO HURT SOMEONE ELSE THAT PUTS SOME TRUST IN YOU AS A MAN OF GOD. GOD IS NOT PLEASED AND YOU MAY NOT ANSWER TO MAN , BUT YOU WILL ANSWER TO GOD AND GOD ALONE. AND YOU BETTER PRAY THAT THIS CHILD IS NOT HIV , BECAUSE YOU WILL GET THE CHAIR AND I HOPE THIS CHILD IS ABLE TO PULL THE PLUG ON YOU.

Posted by: lexgirl Location: lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Who says the child was a girl? I am sure he is an equal opportunity pedophile.

Posted by: Fed Up Location: KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Religion DOES NOT breed perverts. That comes from the same place your comment came from, fnord.

Posted by: CITIZEN on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Zatoichi you are just plain stupid. This has nothing to do with Obama. You are an idoit. If you can make things better for people, then why don't you run for public office. You cannot because you are stupid just like the others. Plus, you are a racist. This man did a terrible crime and must be punished. He is awful and I pray the child does not have HIV. A sick man that needs to be put in the electric chair. He knew what he was doing and he knew he could convince a teenager. Just a dirty old man that is lower than a dog.

Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Well? Where's the outrage? You all seemed to jump on it pretty quick when it was Catholic Priests...hypocrits.

Posted by: Doris Location: Knott on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I dont know how you can call him a preacher. He is a sick dirty old man. People like him need help. I dont understand these sick people. No wonder the world is in the shape it is in. To call a pervert a preacher.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:35 AM
People like this make me sick. The child problay thought she could trust this man being a preacher. But it pays to watch who you talk to anymore this world has gone to the dogs....

Posted by: john Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:26 AM
rember all churches is not like this.this church is probly a good church, just a bad preacher.i dont know any one in this church but some one will be saying bad things about the church,it was the preacher not the church.

Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:23 AM
Looks like one of Obama's spiritual mentors.

Posted by: fnord Location: Lexington on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Look at the perverts religion breeds.

Posted by: Darlene Location: KY on Jan 5, 2009 at 09:38 PM
OMG how bad can it get. now there is a chance a child has aids because of this. If she test positive for anything he deserves life for attempted murder!

Posted by: What? on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:29 PM
omg, a 50,000 cash bond, why even set a bond for this monster?

Posted by: reader on Jan 5, 2009 at 08:10 PM
What a nasty person. I hope the child does not have HIV.

Posted by: SUSAN Location: KY. on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:48 PM
P.S. HE PROBABLY TURNED HIMSELF IN BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID ,NOT THAT SOMEONE WOULD INCRIMINATE HIM, BUT WOULD HURT HIM! I PRAY ALSO HE IS STRIPPED OF ANY TITLE HIS CHURCH , "GAVE" HIM!

Posted by: steve on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Well this is one smart guy he is waist of air.

Posted by: SUSAN Location: KY on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:42 PM
GOD HELP HIM! HOW DARE A MAN WHO REPRESENTS CHRISTIANS DO SUCH A VILE ACT! GOD WILL RECOMPENSE! I PRAY FOR HIS VICTIM(S)!

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