James David “Jim” Goldston III, chairman of the board of trustees for the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, has resigned from the board and his role as chairman amid allegations that he and his wife poisoned their neighbor’s dogs and sent threatening letters.
According to Wake County Sheriff’s Office records, James and Agnes Goldston, both of Raleigh, were arrested on May 11, and each charged with three felony counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of communicating threats.
In a statement, Goldston denied the allegations and said he was resigning to avoid being a “distraction or hindrance” to the ministry of the Baptist Children’s Homes. To read full statement, which was reported by the Biblical Recorder, click here. Goldston submitted his resignation on May 21, the BR reported.
Vice chair Gayla Freeman immediately became the new chair of the BCH board of trustees, based on the organization’s bylaws.
Ongoing dispute
According to multiple media reports, the Goldstons have been accused of poisoning three dogs belonging to one of their neighbors as part of an ongoing dispute. Two of the dogs reportedly died, and multiple veterinarians confirmed to media that all three had been poisoned.
The dogs’ owners reported they had received threatening letters from the Goldstons. According to media reports, other neighbors said they also received anonymous, threatening letters.
The Goldstons have each posted a $30,000 bond and have been ordered not to have any contact with the accusers.
Seth Brown, director of convention relations with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, said state convention officials sent a letter to Baptist Children’s Homes leaders on May 18, saying they believed it was in the best interests of the BCH, North Carolina Baptists and all cooperating ministries for Goldston to resign from the BCH board at least until the criminal charges had been resolved.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was edited for style, length and brevity and written by Chad Austin. The article was originally published by the Biblical Recorder.
