Sex offender arrested in church children's area

Monday, August 04, 2008 3:00 AM |

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Asbury

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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