KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Reverend Strick Strickland, the former pastor of Kalamazoo’s Second Baptist Church who is accused of sex crimes, is reportedly denying his plea deal.
His attorney tells WWMT that his probable cause conference that was scheduled for Thursday has been waived and will now be pushed back until early December.
No other details have been released at this time.
— ORIGINAL STORY —
KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Kalamazoo pastor and former president of the local chapter of the NAACP is scheduled to appear in court as he faces nearly a dozen felony charges.
37-year-old Reverend Stricjavvar “Strick” Strickland of Kalamazoo’s Second Baptist Church has been charged with 11 felony criminal sexual charges including four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of child sexually abusive activity, and four counts of human trafficking of a minor.
He is set to appear in court on Thursday. Strickland and his wife were first accused of paying several teens for sex acts, but he denies the allegations.
WOOD-TV reported some of the allegations that have been made against Strickland including allegedly paying teenage boys to send him nude photos and asking them to engage in sexual activities with his wife, who worked at Phoenix High School.
Another alleged victim said that Strickland had offered a car in exchange for sex acts.
Strickland is no longer a pastor and has since been living in his home state of Mississippi. He turned himself in back in September and a judge ruled that he was not a flight risk and posted a $500,000 bond.
In total, four teenage boys are alleged to have been victims of Strickland’s actions. His current wife, Jazmonique Strickland, has not been charged with anything as of now.
If convicted, Strickland could face up to 20 years in prison. More details will be released following his court appearance.
