RALEIGH, N.C. (ABP) — Coy Privette, the president of a Christian morality group and a former state legislator and Southern Baptist Convention leader, has been arrested on prostitution-related charges in North Carolina.
Privette, the president of the Christian Action League in North Carolina, was charged July 19 with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution.
According to arrest documents secured by the Biblical Recorder, Privette's alleged actions took place in a Rowan County hotel between May 4 and June 25. Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury, N.C., was charged with six counts of prostitution in connection with the investigation.
Privette, 74, is a former trustee of the Christian Life Commission (now Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission), the Southern Baptist Convention's moral-watchdog agency. He is a former trustee chair of the SBC's Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.
In addition to his national leadership roles, Privette also is a former president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, a retired pastor, and a former state legislator and Cabarrus County commissioner.
Privette, who is married, was freed from Rowan County jail on a written promise to appear in court Aug. 22. A State Bureau of Investigation spokesman said the investigation is ongoing. Privette could not be reached for comment.
Privette is a current member of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and its executive committee. He was a state representative from 1984 to 1992 and has been a strong opponent of liquor, gambling and illegal immigration.
Privette's position as president of the Christian Action league is non-paid, but he was executive director of the league for 15 years, beginning in 1980. The league lobbies legislators to consider a Christian perspective in pending legislation, according to Executive Director Mark Creech. Creech said he was “shocked and dismayed” by the allegations against Privette.
“We discourage the promotion and use of beverage alcohol and other drugs, pornography, sexual immorality and other sinful practices that not only undermine the spiritual lives of those who participate in them but also undermine the strength of our state and national character,” the league's web site says.
In a press conference July 19 outside the league office, Creech expressed his love for Privette, whom he said mentored him in his Christian activism. He said Privette “has been a man of good reputation and excellent character.”
Unable to reach Privette for comment, Creech said, “We only know the charges. We haven't heard from him and are reserving judgment until we do.”
If the allegations prove true, Creech said he would be “absolutely broken-hearted and disappointed.”
“Our hearts are deeply burdened by this news,” Creech said. “We are praying for Mr. Privette, his family and all those that this situation effects.”
During a conference call, the board of the Christian Action League removed Privette as president, pending resolution of the charges. League vice president David Hansley of Kinston, N.C., has assumed the duties of president.
There has been no similar action concerning Privette's service on the state convention executive committee, but a convention spokesman said Privette “will do the right thing with regards to his responsibilities to the convention.”