Ronnie Gorton, the former Munford pastor indicted in March for molesting two teens, was indicted for 44 more sex crimes last week.
Appearing in court for a status hearing on other charges on Tuesday, July 10, Gorton was arrested and arraigned on the new ones.
According to court documents, the new charges allege Gorton abused another teenaged victim from November 2014 until February 2018, when the initial accusation was made.
The 44-count indictment includes: rape of a child, 19 counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, 19 counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and five counts of violating the Child Protection Act, which is continuous sexual abuse of a child.
In March, Gorton was indicted on 47 counts including five counts of aggravated sexual battery, 17 counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, two counts of violating the Child Protection Act, 16 counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, two counts of exploitation of a minor by electronic means, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, two counts of purchasing alcohol for a child and one count of rape.
He was released on bond and, as he has since his original indictment, returned to Union City.
Gorton is not due to return to court until Dec. 3 and 7 when he has status hearings scheduled.
His trial date for all three cases is Jan. 14, 2018.
Gorton’s attorney is Blake Ballin.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
