Grand Jury Hits 77-Year-old NC Preacher With Child Sex & Kidnapping Charges Dating Back To The ’90’s

Bertie County Pastor Indicted on Multiple Child Sex Charges

BERTIE COUNTY, N.C. – A longtime church leader was criminally charged in a child sex case that prosecutors say traces back nearly 30 years.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that James Watford, a 77-year-old Powellsville man, was taken into custody today following a grand jury indictment tied to allegations dating as far back as 1995.

Watford is accused of committing multiple crimes involving a minor, including:

• Felony statutory sex offenses involving a child between 13 and 15 years old

• First-degree kidnapping

• Indecent liberties with a child

In total, the indictment includes eight felony counts.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin stated that Watford formerly led New Roundtree Temple Church of God in Christ, but stepped down from his pastoral role after the investigation came to light.

Authorities say detectives began digging into the allegations in June, ultimately presenting the case to a grand jury, which returned a true bill.

Watford is currently being held without bond and is expected to appear in court Wednesday.