Gibson Co. minister appears in court on charges of sexual battery of young boy

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — James Marcus, 70, entered the Gibson County court room Tuesday to face a judge for the first time.

“Mr. Marcus, you are charged with two counts of aggravated sexual battery,” Gibson County Judge Mark Agee said.

According to Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas, Marcus admitted to touching a juvenile boy in a sexual manner from the time the boy was 6 to 10 years old. He was arrested May 20 on two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

“My wife hasn’t made it yet,” Marcus said.

The judge spoke with Marcus’ wife during Tuesday’s hearing, and it was evident he won’t be able to make bond. Marcus was given a public defender as he awaits a hearing for his Class B felony charges.

“You know, Mr. Marcus is in jail, so it’s a priority to get him back into court and have a hearing,” Judge Agee said.

According to the sheriff, Marcus is a minister at Fairview Church of Christ just north of Milan. It is unclear if the alleged victim is a member of his church.

According to the sheriff’s office, the alleged offenses did not take place at the church.

Marcus has been in jail at the Gibson County Correctional Complex for nearly a week and will remain in custody until his hearing on June 7. Marcus remains behind bars in lieu of a $25,000 bond.