Former church intern charged with solicitation of a minor out on bail
JACKSON, Tenn. — A former intern at Englewood Baptist Church is accused of soliciting sexual contact with multiple juveniles, according to court documents. Officials at the Madison County Jail said Heath Ransom is currently free on $50,000 bond.
Ransom faces 13 counts of solicitation of a minor, 13 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count of tampering with evidence.
Court documents said the inappropriate contact started in May 2015 and continued through March 2016. At least two of the four alleged victims are male juveniles, according to the indictment.
Police said the crimes involved members of Englewood’s youth group. Court documents indicate 16 counts involve just one of the alleged victims. The church said Ransom was dismissed immediately after they learned of the allegations.
A representative with the church said they are praying for all of the families involved and encouraged the community to do the same.
A Union University spokesperson confirmed Ransom is a student. He is currently suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the university.
Ransom’s attorney, Daniel Taylor, also declined to comment.
Ransom is scheduled to appear in court July 5.
