Madison County court appearances include charged pastor, Drummond alleged accomplices
JACKSON, Tenn. — It was a busy day in the Madison County Circuit Court as many notable appearances were made.
Andrew Ervin appeared in court Monday morning. He is the former pastor of Northside Church who is being charged with statutory rape by an authority figure.
SEE ALSO: Jackson church minister arrested for statutory rape by an authority figure
His bond was set and Judge Don Allen spoke about what he was considering before setting the bond.
“I know the State has indicated perhaps, through some text messages or other evidence, that they consider him to be a risk of flight,” Judge Allen stated. “I will say it does concern me based upon what I’m being told that there is potentially a risk of flight.”
The State went through some information that they claim will be evidence brought forward in the case. Many of which were alleged text messages between Ervin and the victim. They also claimed there were text messages between Ervin and a member of the church staff, where he allegedly said he was gone and was not coming back.
After this, Judge Allen set the bond.
“I will set his bond at $250,000,” Judge Allen said. “I am going to order that, if he is able to post that bond, that he be placed on an ankle monitor throughout the time this case is proceeding.”
We spoke to Ervin’s lawyer who had this to say regarding the case: “Serious allegations have been made, but unaccompanied by proof. Just because it’s said does not make it so.” Ervin is expected back in court on January 12.
Michelle Ovelis, Dearrah Sanders, Eric Wise, and Giovante Thomas once again appeared in court regarding their alleged connection to the Austin Drummond case.
SEE ALSO: Grand jury issues superseding indictment in quadruple murder case
They are being charged with accessory after the fact of first degree murder. There are also other charges that Judge Don Allen announced.
“Count #2 is the same charge with the alleged victim being James Wilson II. Count #3 is also accessory after the fact with the alleged victim being Courtney Rose. Count #4 is also the same charge with the alleged victim being Brayden Williams,” said Judge Allen.
Their fifth charge is also accessory after the fact, however it is for aggravated kidnapping. They will return to court December 15 at 8:30 a.m. All of them still remain in custody except for Michelle Ovelis, who is out on bond.
For more local news, click here.
