South Carolina pastor arrested for ‘aiding or abetting prostitution’

SENECA, S.C. (BP) – A South Carolina pastor has been arrested for knowingly “aiding or abetting prostitution.” According to an arrest report obtained by Baptist Press, William Kannarney, 51, was arrested Feb. 7. The incident occurred in Seneca Oct. 28, 2023.

Kannarney, a resident of Liberty, S.C., was pastor of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church in Pickens. He is currently not listed in the staff section of the church’s website. Baptist Press reached out to the church for comment but had not heard back by press time.

Former Saddleback youth volunteer awaiting trial on abuse charges

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP) – A former youth volunteer at Saddleback Church in Southern California awaits a second trial for sexual abuse against two 14-year-old boys.

According to KTLA News, Ruven Meulenberg, 39, was a youth mentor at the church in 2016 and 2017, when the alleged incidents (some on church property) took place. He was arrested and charged in 2017. A third victim came forward before the trial.

Meulenberg was convicted in 2018, but the conviction was overturned due to jury misconduct. A new trial has yet to be scheduled.

Meanwhile, a fourth victim has come forward alleging abuse by Meulenberg. Baptist Press reached out to Saddleback Church for comment but had not heard back by press time. Saddleback is not a Southern Baptist church but was at the time of Meulenberg’s arrest.

If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at 202-864-5578 or [email protected]. All calls are confidential.