ONLY ON WINK: Church youth leader admits having sex with teens
Church youth leader in jail; admits having sex with 14 & 15-year-old girls
By
Nick Spinetto, WINK News
Story Created:
Oct 1, 2008 at 5:02 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 1, 2008 at 5:25 PM EST
HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. - A Church Youth Leader was arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with two teenage parishioners. Authorities say the victims are 14 and 15-year-old girls.
It happened at the La Belle Church of God in La Belle.
The suspect is 26-year-old Edwin Smith, more commonly known as Nathan-- which is Smith's middle name.
Smith, who is married with children, was the interim youth leader at the church. Tonight, he's currently in jail.
According to the Hendry County Sheriff's report, Smith admitted he exposed himself and allowed a 14-year-old teenage parishioner to inappropriately touch him.
Smith told deputies the incident happened inside his church office.
In addition to alleged 14-year-old victim, sheriff's deputies say there is also a 15-year-old victim.
The 15-year-old girl's mother found out about the alleged incidents and called police.
According to the Sheriff's Report, Smith admitted to having sex with the 15-year-old girl in his car. He told deputies it was consensual.
Edwin Smith is being held on $175,000 bond. He's being charged with lewd and lascivious battery, sexual activity with a minor older than 12, and fondling a minor older than 12.
Smith's wife is the daughter of the Senior Pastor at the La Belle Church of God. Phone calls to the church weren't returned. But they did release a statement saying:
"The La Belle Church of God is deeply saddened by recent allegations of sexual misconduct committed by its interim youth leader. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office is currently conducting an investigation, which has been both thorough and professional in scope. The Church, is of course, acting responsibly and fully cooperating with the Sheriff's Office in its investigation.
We are still learning the details of the allegations. Like all in the La Belle community, we are anxiously awaiting the findings of the investigation.
In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the individuals and their families affected by these allegations."
~ La Belle Church of God
Trust WINK News to continue following this developing story.
Tuesday, Oct 14 at 11:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I've known the Hanks fam. for nearly 30 yrs. He is a man of OUTSTANDING spiritual & moral character, & he loves people. He has ministered to my family thru the yrs. His fam. is a great asset to the community of Labelle & TRUE servants of God. I would not want to stand in the shoes of those making accusations against him on judgement day! HELL IS HOT!
Tuesday, Oct 14 at 10:53 AM also rebull wrote ...
There is another case in the same family-- not Hanks or Smith-- where the mother is having a neighbor prosecuted for the same thing on the younger sister. His mother wasn't to happy about that considering that she is hiding everything b/c grandma is like 500 lbs and "needs" grandpa for everything. What will we do without grandpa? What will grandpa do without us--- not have any KIDS to "play with...
Tuesday, Oct 14 at 9:52 AM JEAN wrote ...
I have know Rev. Hanks 40 Years and he has been a man of great works. His family is one in a million and it sadens me things like this happen. Please don't take it out on the family and pray for them.
Monday, Oct 13 at 8:08 PM rebullchick wrote ...
church goer, whats your problem, rev.hanks is a better pesron than youll ever be, hes been nothing but nice to my family and if you're such a church goer, dosent the bible say judgment is gods, so who are you to do gods work by judging rev.hanks? and nosey, it wasnt a blood relative so explain how it can run in his family?!?!?
Monday, Oct 13 at 2:37 PM Arcadia Girl wrote ...
I have known N8 4 a few years & I understand that he was having some problems w/ his wife, but never thought he would do this. N8 deserves 2 be punished, but the girls are at fault too. Obviously, they aren't as innocent as they are making themselves out to be. All they had to do was say NO. I'm not picking a side here, yes, he should've been the adult, but get real people, I think we all know how the "male brain" works. The families involved are in my thoughts and prayers.
Friday, Oct 10 at 12:10 AM nosey wrote ...
john doe,spot light must be gettin to close to comfort.I wouldn't let my kids around grandpa.Hmm...it is believed that adult perversion with children runs in this family.There is a history of it.
Thursday, Oct 9 at 11:07 AM john doe wrote ...
5:23 church goer you have got to be kidding me the comment you wrote is rediculous i cant believe you actual think like that and you say your a church goer all i can say is wow
Thursday, Oct 9 at 8:30 AM Sandra Mosley wrote ...
I am a member of a church and i agree. Instead of running down the church, the preacher and members pray for them that healing will begin. We all make choices good and bad, but God is always in control and he makes good things happen out of bad. May God be with the Labelle church of God. My prayers are with you all.
Tuesday, Oct 7 at 4:23 PM church goer wrote ...
The investigators do need to look a little deeper on the case about her grandpa because this might just be a cover up. These girls were church girls that knew how to say no they were not forced, and for him he had a beautiful wife to love but messed that up. Right now he needs some time in jail to see what he has done to his wife, family and the Labelle Church of God. We as a commutiny needs to keep them in our prayers and not gossip about them PRAY PRAY PRAY......
Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:32 AM Fire Fall wrote ...
This is such a sad story! I just pray for all that are involved. I am a christian and have attened church for many years. Thease stories are all to often. I just wish that churches would pay attention to young men who lead youths. There are to many who have oppertunities to fall into temptations. Reardless of who they are. There should be prayer for the families concerend, and lesson learned for the churches. Watch what is going on with your leaders
Monday, Oct 6 at 6:50 PM gabrown wrote ...
The pastor of this church has known me since I was about 10 years old. I am now 38 years of age and I respect him as a man and a minister of god. It is unfortunate that his son in law chose to do this and the young girls where involved. This should not be a reflection on the church or the pastor. Every person in the world has a choice. If they make the wrong choice Rape, Murder, Misconduct with a child, Should the pastor, the church be held responsible I don't think so!!!!
Monday, Oct 6 at 10:11 AM rebullchick wrote ...
iam from Naples and i attend the labelle church of god, the church is one of the best things that has ever happend to me and my family and just because nathan messed up, certian people shouldnt be blaming the church! rev.hanks is the best man i know and his family are wonderful people, him and his wife traveled to naples to vist my grandfather in the hospital and they are amzing people and a big part of my life so please if your going to blame someone, dont blame the whole church!
Monday, Oct 6 at 7:38 AM Someone Who Knows the Hanks Family wrote ...
Our hearts go out to the Hanks family and the LaBelle Church of God. Our prayers are with you, as you endure the criticisms of others. It is easy to come to conclusions about a family or church when you don't know them. However, when you do know them--you cry when they cry and laugh when they laugh. I am so grieved that this horrible thing has happened to this Pastor's Family, the Church, and ESPECIALLY the wife and children. We stand with you in prayer during this difficult time.
Saturday, Oct 4 at 6:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Maybe investigators should reopen a prior case involving the younger victim. Her family has coached her to lie to them about sexual abuse by her grandfather. She still needs justice from that case, and she has younger siblings that may have been subjected to the same abuse. Although you should always give the child the benefit of the doubt, if she lied then, who's to say she is completely credible now? Just dig a little deeper and interview her alone.
Saturday, Oct 4 at 6:24 PM afrom another pastor wrote ...
I have heard nothing but good things fro the pastor of that church. We are sincerely sorry that this has happened to the girls and the church. My wife,church,and I stand in covenant with the labelle pastor.
Saturday, Oct 4 at 5:06 PM Proud COG MEmeber wrote ...
I think People Need To Do alittle More Praying and lEt God DO the Judgeing The Bible says" vingence Is mine Sath the Lord" I will Repay! Pray For the Healing Of the Church and the families.. They have been through Enough OUr jobs as CHRISTIANS is to Uplift not Run Our mouths! GOd's stil in the healing business!
Saturday, Oct 4 at 1:49 PM Michelle wrote ...
You guys have got to be kidding me! This man knew exactly what he was doing! What should of happened is he should have NEVER been alone with Any female! The problem with this is that allegations of his misconduct have been going on for awhile, The Pastor should have NOT only demoted him but had made darn sure he was not anywhere near any impressional youth! Yes, his kids are going to grow up with out a father but that was HIS choice!! Don't forget that stupid on the part of the church and HIS!!!
Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:54 AM NObama wrote ...
It is obvious that this family has the support of their community. It just goes to show that bad things do happen to good people. Pastor, sounds like you have a good church, despite this ordeal.
Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:02 AM church member wrote ...
Ga 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Friday, Oct 3 at 11:46 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I pray that Bro. Hanks doesn't leave because of this. We love him and would greatly miss him. He is an assest to our church and the community. What doesn't kill us will just make us stronger.
Friday, Oct 3 at 3:19 PM Peaches wrote ...
IT'S SHAME THAT THIS GUY IS PUTTING THIS CHURCH THROUGH THIS EMBARASSMENT, HE WAS TRUSTED WITH THESE KIDS AND LET EVERYONE DOWN. MY HEARTS GOES OUT TO ALL THE FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THIS AND MOST OF ALL TO HIS WIFE AND KIDS.
Friday, Oct 3 at 11:26 AM Jesus is Lord wrote ...
Our family has known both Nathan's family and the Hank's family for many, many years. I babysat Nathan and was in their home many times. They are all good, decent, God-fearing people. His wife is a very sweet person and doesn't deserve this. Her father & mother, are some of the best Christian people I know. Nathan certainly knew better, but allowed himself to be led away from what he knew was the right way. I am praying continually for all involved. No one is a winner in this situation.
Friday, Oct 3 at 8:24 AM ACOG wrote ...
Our family is close to both sides, Nate grew up in our church and Bro Hanks was like family. Our prayers will be with everyone involved and with your church. Nate will have to pay the consequences for his actions.
Friday, Oct 3 at 8:16 AM LaBelle wrote ...
Demoted or not does not change anything. He is an adult and even if the girls would have trown themselves at him he could have said NO!! Isn't that what we try to teach the kids, "JUST SAY NO"?
Thursday, Oct 2 at 11:44 PM DOC wrote ...
ALL I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IS WE NEED TO PRAY AS THIS SHOWS GOD IS COMING SOON AND IF HE DOESN'T WE COULD ALL BE IN HIS PLACE. PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES
Thursday, Oct 2 at 7:25 PM mike wrote ...
first of all where is the forgiveness , people are to busy hatin on everyone, yes he did do wrong and i don't think its right , i just feel sorry for all that have been hurt by his actions, 15 and 16 year old girls know better, i forgive him, but feel for all.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 7:08 PM America wrote ...
We all need to pray and get hold of the Lord, only by the Grace of God go I. He needs our prayers, and we need each other.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 6:56 PM I Know Him... wrote ...
Even though I do attend the LaBelle Church of God and was friends with him, even I was not aware of these things. The sad fact is that he has children and they are going to grow up without their father. He was, what I thought, a great man but he has disappointed me and others. My prayers are with him and his family who I also knew. Please pray for us, we really need it to get through this trial in our church.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 6:45 PM Sammi wrote ...
The man knew better!!I really feel for the families[especially the girls] Our churches and schools should be a safe place for our kids. God may forgive him, but I won't He's where he belongs, for the rest of his life.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 5:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...
FYI...SMITH WAS DEMOTED AS THE YOUTH PASTOR AT LABELLE CHURCH OF GOD PRIOR TO THIS INVESTIGATION.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 5:30 PM LCOG FREQUENT VISITOR wrote ...
Let's all remember that this is a very upsetting situation. Things like this frequently happen. It is very sad. But the most important thing to do is pray for the families involved, and also for the offender.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 5:09 PM LCOG Member wrote ...
I am deeply upset as to hear what occured. I am praying for the family and the church and I hope that people aren't blaming the church because there are lots of sick people that just go to church as a cover up.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 3:23 PM mrs. jones wrote ...
He is the pastor's son in law. I feel so sorry for them. I am not sure that I would give the girls a pass on this little incident. They have to know better, too. $175,000 is pretty high bail.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 3:00 PM Brad wrote ...
I no him and this is not the first time of these allegations have been brought up. He just cot caught this time. He deserves every thing he gets.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 2:46 PM Candi wrote ...
I don't usually comment here, however I must say I agree 100% with 10:51am Anonymous, you couldn't have said it any better.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 12:13 PM Also Anonymous wrote ...
He is to blame and not the church. Some people go to church so you won't think that they do things like this. This is what happens when you turn your back on God and allow sin to creep into your life. The pastor and his family is devestated and they are GOOD people.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 11:36 AM Not Suprised wrote ...
I am not at all suprised!! For those of you that believe in God should know that in the last days nothing is going to suprise us and everyone that is not prayed up and ready to go the devil is going to pull you down! It is just sad to know that it is happening in the church! We need as a nation to get a hold of GOD before it's to late.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 11:21 AM American wrote ...
Even if you get critized as being over protected, parents need to sit and talk with their kids. Parents need to know where their kids go, where they hangout and who they associate with.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 9:51 AM Anonymous wrote ...
He is 26 years old she is 15 years old, consensual or not what makes him think it's OK. Kids have a hard enough time these days just being kids, they don't need the adults making it even harder by putting them in situations that require them to make adult decisions that ultimately impact the rest of their lives.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 9:22 AM Sunflower wrote ...
That is scary because you would think that the church's are a safe place for to take children.And the schools are suppose to be safe.But really there is no safe places if you think about it.In the back of the day when I was a child things like that happen but so much compared to now.I hope that man stays in jail.
Thursday, Oct 2 at 8:49 AM JS ARCADIA wrote ...
I THINK THAT HE SHOULD SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN JAIL,HE KNEW BETTER.
Wednesday, Oct 1 at 6:34 PM Mr. & Mrs. Rice wrote ...
I am so sorry this has happened to such a wonderful group of people. The Church of God has been a blessing to me and my family. However, we attend the first baptist on a regular basis. our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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