The Black Collar Crime Series relies on public news stories and publicly available information for its content. If any incorrect information is found, please contact Bruce Gerencser. Nothing in this post should be construed as an accusation of guilt. Those accused of crimes are innocent until proven guilty.
Douglas Jones, the pastor of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan, stands accused of one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The Royal Oak Tribune reports:
A prominent 82-year-old pastor of a Pontiac church accused of a sex crime in Rochester Hills will face an Oakland County Circuit Judge next week.
The case against Reverend Douglas Jones of West Bloomfield was advanced following a preliminary exam in 52-3 District Court.
Jones, senior pastor of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac since 1989, is charged with one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct — a high court misdemeanor — that allegedly occurred Aug. 26, 2024.
At the conclusion of the preliminary exam on May 20, Judge Laura Polizzi determined there was enough evidence to bind the case over to the higher court for possible trial.
Jones is well-known for his ministries and other community involvement throughout Pontiac — including board member of the Oakland County Health Network, founder of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, and more. In February, the Detroit Red Wings recognized him as a “Black History Month Game Changers honoree.”
Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involves unwanted sexual contact but does not include penetration. High court misdemeanor penalties are typically more severe than misdemeanor penalties; fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $500.
Jones is out of custody on a $10,000 personal bond, which requires no cash or surety to be posted.
Bruce Gerencser, 68, lives in rural Northwest Ohio with his wife of 47 years. He and his wife have six grown children and sixteen grandchildren. Bruce pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Bruce left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist.
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