Maryland pastor and teacher arrested on abuse charges
By Scott Barkley, Baptist Press
ANNE ARUNDEL, Md. (BP) — A bivocational pastor and teacher at a Christian school has been arrested on abuse charges following an investigation of nearly three months.
William “Bill” Auburn Jones, 58, was arrested without incident on July 25 by the Fugitive Apprehension team of the Anne Arundel County Police in Maryland, with charges including sexual abuse of a minor, sexual offense-fourth degree and child abuse. According to Annual Church Profile reports, Jones was also the senior pastor of Jessup Baptist Church, a role he has held since February 2006.
Officers responded to a complaint on May 1 from a parent of a student at Elvaton Christian Academy in Millersville, Md., alleging her child had experienced “inappropriate sexual behavior by a former teacher.” While at the scene, another parent approached officers with a similar complaint.
The resulting investigation led detectives to Jones, who had been employed at the school from 2020 through this year, and identified five more victims. Detectives worked in conjunction with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office to bring forward the arrest warrant.
Local authorities encourage those with more information to contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at (410) 222-4733. Anonymous tips may be made at (410) 222-4700.
Baptist Press reached out to the church but did not hear from them before publication time.
The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) released a statement acknowledging the report of Jones’ arrest.
“The BCM/D recognizes that abuse of minors is a critical issue, and we grieve for the lives that have been affected by it,” the statement read. “Churches must always commit to providing a safe and secure environment for all its members and guests, and especially for those who are most vulnerable. We join with many others in praying for the victims of abuse and their families. May God provide His peace at this difficult time.”
Illinois pastor arraigned on eleven abuse charges
By Illinois Baptist Staff
DU QUOIN, Ill. — Illinois State Police have arrested Jon W. Montgomery of Du Quoin on charges of possession and dissemination of child pornography. Montgomery, 70, is a former middle school band director who taught 26 years with Du Quoin Unit District #300. He is also a former church staff member with connections to Baptist life in Illinois, including the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA).
According to local news reports, a search warrant was served at Montgomery’s home on June 11, where electronic evidence of child pornography was collected. He was taken into custody at the Perry County jail on July 23.
Montgomery was arraigned on eleven charges: Four Class X Felony charges, which include 10 counts of reproduction/dissemination of child pornography, and seven Class 2 Felony charges, which include 56 counts of possession of child pornography.
Montgomery retired from his teaching position in 2011. He served First Baptist Church of Du Quoin as minister of music from 1997-1999 and served volunteer terms on two IBSA committees from 2021-2025.
A preliminary hearing on the charges is set for August 13 in Perry County court.
If you are/have been a victim of sexual abuse or suspect sexual abuse by a pastor, staff member or member of a Southern Baptist church or entity, please reach out for help at 202-864-5578 or [email protected]. All calls are confidential.
(EDITOR’S NOTE —This story originally appeared at the IBSA Newsjournal.)
