8/10/12
SHEFFIELD
Sex abuse probe on hold
Reported victims unwilling to come forward or testify
By Russ Corey view original article
An investigation into accusations of child sexual abuse against a former music minister at First United Methodist Church is on hold because reported victims are unwilling to come forward, Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray said Thursday.
Ray said detectives have interviewed 10 people, all male, but none are willing to sign statements that they were abused nor are they willing to testify in court.
"We are in a holding pattern right now," Ray said.
Church officials said they fired music minister and former youth minister Oliver Brazelle, 78, in late July amid claims he abused young people during his 54-year tenure at the church. Ray has not referred to Brazelle by name, but confirmed church officials discussed the accusations with him.
No charges have been filed and without someone willing to go on record, there is no case, Ray said.
"We were promised that by the end of business (last Wednesday) we would have a victim come forward," Ray said. "It's Thursday, and no victims have come forward (and filed a complaint)."
Ray said the individuals interviewed said they were victims of abuse dating back 20-40 years. The individuals were between ages 13 and 16 at the time, he said.
Ray said the men interviewed by detectives indicate the reported abuse occurred between 1967 and the 1990s.
Ray said evidence has been collected, including letters and photographs. A computer taken from the church is being examined by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
The Police Department has been receiving calls about the case every day, Ray said.
Florence attorney Ralph Holt said he is representing Brazelle.
"We've made it known to local authorities and the district attorney that we're willing to cooperate with the investigation," Holt said. "But until specific allegations have been made, there's no way for us to really respond to anything."
He said investigators have not interviewed Brazelle.
Ray said Colbert County District Attorney Bryce Graham's office has been informed of the progress of the investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Kyle Brown said it's not unusual for individuals to be unwilling to come forward if they have been sexually abused.
"Oftentimes they feel embarrassed about what happened to them," Brown said.
Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.
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