By Bob Allen
The trial of a Missouri Baptist preacher charged with child sexual abuse has been continued until Jan. 16, according to court documents quoted by a local newspaper.
Travis R. Smith, 44, arrested in 2012 on felony charges alleging incidents in 1998, 1999 and 2005, was due to stand trial beginning Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Moniteau County Court. According to the California Democrat, Smith and his lawyer appeared in court Nov. 26 and were assigned a new court date after the first of the year.
Smith’s legal problems drew attention from the Missouri Baptist Convention after media reported that members of First Baptist Church in Stover, Mo., were standing by their accused pastor. A convention official acknowledged the body has no direct authority over a local church but expressed hope that members of the congregation “will have the wisdom, grace and courage to act biblically in their dealings with their pastor.”
Lamine Baptist Association withdrew fellowship from the church in 2013, but the stated reason was for non-participation rather than accusations involving the pastor. The First Baptist Church website no longer lists Smith as pastor.
In 2011, Smith was acquitted of child molestation on previous charges in another county.
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