A former Caldwell County, North Carolina, pastor who was arrested last November on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor stemming from possession of explicit material is facing a new federal charge related to receipt of child pornography.
The latest charge against Ashley James Crouse, 52, former pastor of New Vision Baptist Fellowship in Granite Falls, carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Crouse was arrested on Nov. 3, 2023, following an investigation by state and local authorities based upon a tip provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Following his arrest, Crouse was initially charged with four counts of second-degree exploitation of a child. Four additional counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a child were added later.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Chad Austin and originally published by Biblical Recorder.
