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Sex offender arrested in church children's area

Monday, August 04, 2008 3:00 AM

Asbury

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Staff report

KANNAPOLIS — Police arrested a registered sex offender Sunday morning after he refused to leave the children's area at a church.

Ricky Jo Asbury, 40, of 203 E. 20th St. is charged with disorderly conduct in a religious assembly and second-degree trespass.

An official at Blackwelder Park Baptist Church on Summit Avenue called the Kannapolis Police Department after Asbury refused to leave the area where classes are held for children, according to arrest warrants filed with the Rowan County Magistrate's Office.

Teachers quickly moved children out of the area, but Asbury remained.

According to information contained in the warrants, Asbury told church officials he was not leaving and "they could not make him (leave) and if the church made him leave he would sue."

Church officials had previously advised Asbury to stay away from the children's area.

A magistrate said the charge of disorderly conduct in a religious assembly is rarely filed.

Asbury was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center with bond set at $500 on each charge. He is scheduled to appear in Rowan County District Court on Sept. 4.

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sex offender : Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:11 AM

What will it take to ensure that people who are sex offenders are charged accordingly? This person needs to be removed from the streets, what are our local district attorney's thinking? All this person will do is move to another neighborhood and keep doing the same thing. Where's the law being enforced at?

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Church Member

What I saw : Tuesday, August 05, 2008 2:14 AM

"Asbury told church officials he was not leaving and "they could not make him (leave)" Well, he was quite docile as the policeman led him out of the church building in handcuffs.

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: Monday, August 04, 2008 9:02 PM

I applaud the teachers and officials at the church for doing what had to be done to keep the children out of harm's way.

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Sex offender arrested in church children's area : Monday, August 04, 2008 7:44 PM

any person who has the history or the intent to harm a child and refuse to abide by the rules should be prosicuted to the highest level, and that level should be raised as a matter of fact. There are too many children being sexually abused and people like this are walking the streets daily looking for their next pray. My 2 children attend this church and I feel this very disturbing. Court officials and the government should prioritize this issue for people like this. our children need protection now and in the future.

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Josh Welch

: Monday, August 04, 2008 11:00 AM

It's very sad to have to worry about someone who is so troubled in our churches with our kids. This is my home church, and a "wake up call" has been sent.

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Vera Cope

Attention DA : Monday, August 04, 2008 10:33 AM

This man has four prior felon convictions for Indecent Liberties with a Minor. He is a registered sex offender. Just being in a area where there is children constitutes a felon charge. Charge this man accordinly and get him off the street.

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Go Check Him Out.... : Monday, August 04, 2008 9:55 AM

http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/apps/offender/offend1?DOCNUM=0685533&SENTENCEINFO=yes&SHOWPHOTO=no&numtimesin=1

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Registered Sex Offender??? : Monday, August 04, 2008 8:48 AM

If this man was already declared a registered sex offender, why wasn't he charged with more than just 2 charges, like being within 500 feet of kids, or within a Church or School with kids? 500.00 bond, what a JOKE, does he have to hurt or kidnap, or worse to have a higher bond????

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