Note: This article includes explicit discussion of rape and sexual acts.
Police in Brentwood, Tenn., have begun a preliminary investigation into former DC Talk and Newsboys singer Michael Tait, following multiple allegations of sexual assault.
They confirmed the news on Monday after alleged victim Shawn Davis told People magazine he was working with them to build a case against the singer and press charges. Like many of the other victims who have come forward with public allegations, Davis says he was abused by Tait when he was still a minor and believes there could be many more who have yet to come forward.
Michael Tait on the cover of CCM magazine in 2016
In June, he told The Guardian he was a “lifelong fan and troubled youth who had immersed himself in Christian music.” He claims Tait introduced him to cocaine and encouraged him to consume alcohol. In 2003, when he was just 17 years old, he says Tait drugged and molested him.
He explained, “I woke up in the closet, and he had my pants down and was giving me a blowjob. … I pushed him off as best as I was able in that state, but he pushed me down, and then I punched him twice and left.”
Like many of Tait’s other victims, Davis remained in contact with him after the incident, but the nefarious behavior did not stop. He claims that in 2012, Tait attempted to pay him $5,000 in cash for a sexual favor.
“He said something to the effect of, ‘This could all be yours if you let me suck you off and cum in your ass,’” Davis explained, describing a text message he received from Tait while he was standing in his kitchen. Tait was in his bedroom when he sent the text.
Now that numerous others have come out with sexual assault allegations against Tait, Davis is building a legal case against him.
“We’re trying to head this and do everything we can in our power to take him down,” Davis told People Aug. 8. “Ultimately, in the end, the goal is to see him go to prison. We need every single victim possible to come forward. They deserve to know that they’re not the only ones, and they deserve to tell their story.”
Although allegations continue to pile up, Tait has not commented publicly on them since his initial confession in June.
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Two more men accuse Michael Tait of sexual assault
Former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait accused of sexual assault
Michael Tait issues ‘confession’ confirming abuse and drug reports
Update: Michael Tait now accused of drugging a woman for rape