Prosecuting Attorney Janice Durbin refiled sex charges against Grand Valley Independent
Baptist Church pastor Raymond Lambert today in McDonald County Circuit Court.
Lambert, 52, Washburn, was charged with four counts of child molestation, two counts of statutory sodomy and one count of sexual abuse. The charges are in connection with the ritual abuse of children.
Charges have not been refiled against Lambert's wife (and stepsister) Patricia Lambert, or their sister-in-law Laura Epling. The charges against the three were dropped last month, one week before the Lamberts' trial was scheduled to begin. The Lamberts' lawyer, Robert Evenson, said charges were dismissed because the state's witnesses refused to cooperate, but the attorney for the witnesses told various news sources that was not the case.
(Pictured: Raymond Lambert, left, talks with a supporter. Photo provided by Tara Brown)
Ms. Durbin told Associated Press Nov. 30 that she would likely refile charges against the church leaders. That word came after the administration of her office came under heavy criticism from State Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, R-Joplin, whose district includes that portion of McDonald County, and county law enforcement officials.
Jeez, what a mess.
ReplyDeleteJanice Durbin needs to file charges against the women again, too! She dropped and kicked the ball the first time it was in her court....looks like she is bargaining halfway with Evenson...she needs out of that office and yesterday!!!!!!
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