Boaz, AL Preacher Arrested for Sex Abuse
Tony Potts
05-27-2009
After a 5-month investigation Billy Masters, 66, of Boaz, Alabama,
was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Sexual Abuse. Masters was
reportedly a preacher at Harvest Baptist Church in the Kilpatrick area
was charged with a sexual relationship with a male under the age of
12 years of age, whom was also a member of the church congregation.
Masters was convicted in 2001 for the sodomy of three male
victims of similar age. He served time in prison and following
his release in late 2007, he registered with the Sheriff`s
Office. Masters was up to date on his registration at the time of
his arrest last week.
After receiving the report of abuse in January, an investigation
was commenced by Mary Waters. A search of his residence took
place approximately one month ago, during which his computer was
seized. However, it appeared that the hard drive in the computer
had recently been removed and a new drive installed.
A warrant was issued for Masters` arrest Friday and he was
arrested at his residence a short time later. He is in the DeKalb
County Detention Center without bond at this time.
Masters will also face charges related to violating his parole
from the earlier conviction.
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