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Messer pleads to statutory rape by an authority figure A former Morristown minister on Tuesday pleaded guilty in Cocke County Circuit Court to statutory rape by an authority figure. At the time of his July 2018 arrest, James Ronald Messer, 48, Tom Treece Road, was pastor of Crossway Worship Center on West Highway 25/70 in Newport. The case was prosecuted by Asst. DA Mark Strange who told Judge Carter Moore, that Messer picked up the teen, who was a member of his church, at a Newport restaurant. "Mr. Messer took her to the church, where Mr. Messer emgaged in sexual intercourse with the 17 year-old female," the prosecutor said. Newport Detective Captain Jason Ramsey said the offense came to light after the victim told family members about the incident. When confronted, Messer admitted to the sexual tryst but maintained that the intercourse was consensual. The defendant was charged with rape, sexual battery by an authority figure, statutory rape by an authority figure and aggravated statutory rape. Under the negotiated plea agreement, however, Messer pleaded guilty to statutory rape by an authority figure and the three other charges were dismissed. Judge Moore imposed an eight year sentence, with the defendant being eligible for parole after he serves 30 percent of the term. The balance of the sentence will be served on probation. Messer may have no contact with the victim or her family members and is required to register as a sex offender.
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