Pastor Accused Of Sexual Misconduct
A Pierceton church pastor was jailed early this morning on a criminal warrant for sexual misconduct with a minor.
Robert Haywood, 77, of South Washington Street, Warsaw, was arrested at his home on a warrant for alleging inappropriate and illegal sexual acts with a 14-year- old mentally and physically handicapped girl. The charges resulted from a three month police investigation involving Haywood, who is a pastor at Harvest Time Ministries Church, at 4934 E. Pierceton Road.
The sexual allegations indicate that inappropriate sexual touching occurred in the basement of the church on or about mid-June of this year. A second incident, said to involve fondling and alleged intercourse, occurred in a vehicle in a wooded area in Warsaw in late June 2012.
The female victim is reported to have significant mental and physical disabilities, which enhanced the criminal filing.
Warsaw detectives have been investigating this matter since July. After review with the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s office, three counts involving the acts were filed. Haywood is now charged with one count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Class B felony; sexual misconduct with a minor, a Class D felony; and sexual battery, a Class D felony.