Denver pastor accused of sexual assault in lawsuit
Brian Maass, CBS4 News
Published November 17, 2008 at 10:34 p.m.
Ahmad Terry / The Rocky
Senior pastor Willie Simmons, left, a married father of two, has been accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit. Above, the pastor of Denver's Central Baptist Church speaks at a new conference in 2006.
A former church secretary at Denver's Central Baptist Church has filed a civil lawsuit against the church and senior pastor Willie Simmons, accusing the prominent Denver-area clergyman of two incidents of sexual assault in the church office in 2007.
In a 2007 internal church memo obtained by CBS4, Simmons, a married, 58-year old father of two, acknowledged he engaged in a sexual encounter with the woman but claimed it was consensual.
"I wanted it to stop," the woman said in an interview with CBS4. "It wasn't consensual..."
The woman requested her name not be used as she considers herself a victim of sexual assault.
Simmons has been a pastor at Denver's Central Baptist Church since 1990. Several years ago he was President of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, a collaboration of pastors representing about 65 predominantly black churches in Denver and Aurora.
According to the lawsuit filed in Denver District Court, Simmons engaged in sexual encounters with the woman on two occassions in February 2007, and she went to Denver Police to report the allegations after the second incident.
Investigators had the woman call Simmons as detectives eavesdropped on the conversation, according to the lawsuit.
According to a police report on the incident, Simmons told the woman, "I didn't know you went to the police station ... all I had to say was please forgive me, I'm sorry. I'll never say anything to you. I did get out of line. Like I said, you could keep your job."
The Denver District Attorney's office declined to file charges against Simmons.
Lynn Kimbrough, a spokesperson for the DA's Office, said there was "no reasonable likelihood of conviction" based on "our inability to disprove a consent defense."
The victim's attorney, Paula Greisen called Simmons' behavior "outrageous conduct" and said the fact the church did not fire Simmons was "unbelievably offensive."
Simmons would not speak in detail about the allegations to CBS4.
"I cannot discuss that," he said. "I will not discuss my personal life and other things."
His attorney did not return multiple phone calls.
Central Baptist treasurer Alex Armstrong acknowledged there had "been a disturbance at the church," but declined to answer any other questions.
James Slay, chairman of the church trustees, did not return multiple calls.
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November 18, 2008
3:14 a.m.
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roger44 writes:
So if the DA had the tape of the conversation why not press charges? Is he above the law? Wonder how many of these cases have been swept under the rug, and how many never reported because the man in the cases was a religious figure?
November 18, 2008
5:50 a.m.
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ironlace writes:
You have to understand, the DA's office looks at what they have in evidence, statements, etc. and if they decide they can't win - they ignore what has happened. It happens all the time.
November 18, 2008
5:54 a.m.
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JonBen writes:
Christian forgiveness does not mean that you allow a pastor to continue in such an important position after a transgression like this. And Simmons himself should quietly resign.
People like Simmons and Ted Haggard, who are stubborn as ticks in hanging onto their pastoral duties, are why the churches are losing members in droves.
God will forgive the repentant sinner - but part of repentance is acceptance of personal responsibility and acknowledging the serious damage caused by one's actions. Part of repentance is acknowledging that once you have committed a sin like that while in a position like that, you are thereafter barred from that position: for the good of the church.
Rev. Simmons: step down from your position. Quietly resign, and focus on healing yourself and your family. Please don't be a Ted Haggard.
November 18, 2008
6:23 a.m.
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JimmyTheSaint writes:
No kidding, JonBen.
What part of "Thou shalt not commit adultery" don't you understand, Simmons?
November 18, 2008
8:22 a.m.
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woodjt1 writes:
JonBen--
I couldn't have said it better, well done. Simmons, if you have any conscience at all, you will step down. If not, you are ignoring the instructions of the Bible your sermons come out of. Think of THAT every time you open it.
November 18, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Nicely put, JonBen. I agree.
November 18, 2008
9:39 a.m.
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TC writes:
The problem I believe is when you make clergy. They are set apart from the congregation and are recognized as the leader and authority of the Church. Then when something like this happens, it reflects badly on the Church itself. I think part of the genius of Christianity is that I find only very weak arguments in the New Testament for anything that resembles clergy or an organized religion for that matter. But without an organization it makes it difficult to generate money, power, and political influence. Maybe Jesus understood that power corrupts.
November 18, 2008
9:56 a.m.
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gr8fuldude writes:
Before anyone goes on a rant about religion as a whole, let me put out the possibility that many of the men who are drawn to this position are at heart narcissists. To this mentality, it is all about them, their wants, desires and the role of the people around them is to fulfill this. Sounds like this guy fits the profile of this personality type.
Just some food for thought.
November 18, 2008
10:05 a.m.
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freedomfighter1 writes:
The organization of the church is ran by men and have only the name of God in them. Practice your personal religion with your God, it is between the two of you not the congregation.
November 18, 2008
10:16 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Thanks Willie, for dragging the name of Christ through the mud! I hope it was worth it to you. If you insist on being a dirtbag, then quit your job, leave the church and debauch yourself all you want!
Consensual or not, doesn't matter. As a (supposedly) man of God you are to avoid even the hint of immorality. Why do you think after 70 years of ministry, nobody has ever even hinted at impropriety on the part of Billy Graham? Becuase he goes out of his way to avoid any situation that could be questionable, no matter how innocuous.
Where is the board of directors at Willie's church? If they didn't know anything about it before - they sure do now. They aren't responsible for his actions but they are responsible for his consequences and the spiritual well-being of their church. Has he been fired yet? If not - why not? Act immediately and with authority.
November 18, 2008
10:35 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Hey Cowboy, he is only the most recent in a long line of men who have done the same thing! Should I start at the Crusades, or just limit that list to transgressions in the last century. Seems hypocrisy is one of the oldest members of any congregation.
November 18, 2008
10:55 a.m.
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ThingFish writes:
Tax the churches and many of them will just go away.
November 18, 2008
11:17 a.m.
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Cowboy63 writes:
Shaupeen writes: "Should I start at the Crusades, or just limit that list to transgressions in the last century."
Start wherever you want. Just be sure to put yourself in the number 1 slot.
"ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".. that includes YOU Shaupeen. The only question is what are you going to do about it?
November 18, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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WiseFool writes:
The modern christian church is rapidly imploding from its institutionalized hypocrisy, immorality, child abuse, bigotry, and demogoguery.
November 18, 2008
1 p.m.
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rickg19611 writes:
What a bunch of hypocrites. Not the pastor.... the anti-religion posters on here.
They refuse to acknowledge that pastors are just like teachers, police officers, nurses, carpenters, truck drivers, programmers, journalists, etc, etc. Human beings.
And EVERY group of human beings has had a handful of its members that have done wrong. Period.
Do the anti-religious posters on here attack ALL teachers and criticize ALL schools just because they have a handful of examples of HUMAN teachers that have done wrong? No. Because the hypocrites want to use their double-standards to attack the groups they hate.
November 18, 2008
1:26 p.m.
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MGD writes:
Dude,
I'm curious about these Churches you have attended pastored by people with NBA-style bling. Please list any in the Denver area because I would like to check them out. That is about opposite of my experience.
Also, Cowboy included himself when he quoted "ALL have sinned."
Just as you had the right to ask him another others questions, he has the right to ask. Who does someone have to be to ask a question?
You have been to many churches, please describe your theology and world view.
Peace!
November 18, 2008
1:40 p.m.
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WiseFool writes:
As representatives of the christian church continue to fail in their arena of "expertise" i.e. morality, decency, and values - we can all see the breadth of decay and decrepitude that has engulfed a once honorable institution.
The christian church is now associated with ignorance, sexism, ineptitude, disinformation, hypocrisy, and greed. We may live to see this once great faith join the ranks of other dead religions and esteemed mythologies.
November 18, 2008
2:08 p.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Well, cowboy, the first thing I'm going to do about is not care. Not even a little bit. You can value the bible all you like, and follow it as literally as you choose. I don't, that's all. I like my reading material with less hell-fire and brimstone, and more believable plot lines. But hey, at least we agree that we both like fiction. Have a great day, and please enjoy your hypocrisy. It looks good on you from here!
November 18, 2008
2:23 p.m.
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MGD writes:
I don't think I get the Christian channel. I don't have cable or watch too much TV.
I'm sure there are some people and some churches out there that use their money for things they shouldn't. I also believe that someone may become a pastor after retiring from other work and may have money from other sources such as an inheritance.
You are free to go to church or not but your earlier post seemed to indicate that most or all Christian churches are led by people with expensive suits and jewelry. I have not had that experience.
If you are in Denver and want to see a church Pastored by someone with little or no pretension there are plenty out there. If you choose to stay at home and watch the Christian channel then more power to you. I hope it works for you.
Here are some churches that I know don't have diamond studded pastors and that welcome people. God doesn't need Pastors to speak to you but he might gift them with what it takes to get you involved or to drive home a lesson in your life.
The Next Level
Flatirons
Pathways (my favorite)
Scum of the Earth
November 18, 2008
3:06 p.m.
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MGD writes:
No, I don't think so. Life has many components, only some of which are lessons to be learned. I don't think our human experience can be summed up in that one-line statement.
WWJD? Teach, serve, inspire, lead. I am better at some of these than others but I try in all of these areas to do a better job.
If you take issue with Pastor's having a paycheck, talk to a Pastor. Talk to someone at one of the Churches I listed. I went though a period where I thought that Pastors make too much money, and certainly some do. I talked to my lead Pastor and found that he bought his house with family money. He and his family live frugal lives of service. All of them, not just the Pastor.
I have an issue with the Pastor in this story taking advantage of someone in his church and if I knew him, I would talk to him. I would ask him to resign. We know that he can be forgiven if he asks for it and if he truly repents his sin. For us to have faith in the Chruch that he represents, he must step down. IMO.
November 19, 2008
10 a.m.
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youbeu writes:
This is dispicable in the sight of the Lord and it won't go unpunished by him. whatsoever a man soweth that shall also reap. if the parishioners or members are not moved by this it's because some of them are probably guilty of doing the same thing and just haven't got caught. If they disapprove of it all they have to do is get up and leave and he would have no one there to listen to his lies and keep paying his car note and all his other financial obligations.
November 19, 2008
8:42 p.m.
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Ricochet writes:
"Judge not lest ye be judged."
I find it amazing the number of people that find others guilty before they are adjudicated guilty.
If the news report was correct, why was the offense reported after the SECOND occurance and not the first? A perfect case of, "She said. He said."
"Let the man without sin cast the first stone."
November 20, 2008
1:16 p.m.
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dontjudge writes:
It is nice to live in a country where we have free speach. Looking at all the above comments each is giving their opinion and that is good. If you knew the facts like I know the facts then you would have some what of a different opinion about Rev Simmons. Since the News Media and Television only have what the so called victim has to say they they are reporting what they have been told.They don't know the other have of the story. I would don't judge harshly if you don't know all of the facts because some of what has been said is lies.
November 20, 2008
11:01 p.m.
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knowshim2 writes:
Dontjudge seems to suggest the 'so called' (interesting) victim either made something up or somehow deserves this. I know reporters aren't perfect, but I'm thinking he did a little more investigation than to catch a rumor. But since the 'reverend's' church chose not to do anything, guessing that victim/fantasy thing works for them too. Interesting that when questioned, the wife, family, church that he also degrades didn't cross his mind to even say he's sorry he hurt - them; didn't hear a denial; heard about community service that I guess should override this. I've worked around him for years, observing these 'good deeds' and the pious attitude we saw on the screen, that seems to underlie the 'better than you' esteem that, no surprise - shows via this assault. The saying "What you BELIEVE is what you DO ... what you say is simply religious rhetoric" certainly gives us a clearer definition of this person who still calls himself a 'man of God'. I'll make sure my future community endeavors are minus this man's (let's drop the title) influence.
November 21, 2008
6:14 p.m.
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dontjudge writes:
Dear Knowshim2
I am not suggesting the victim made up what she said nor do I believe that she deserves any thing. I just saying she worked at the church for five years at 9.00 with not benifits. She could have left at any time. She could have worked to a Temp Agency until she could get on her feet. There are alot of things she could have done but she choose not to. She is not necessarily lying on Rev. Simmons but she has lied on the church and that is where she is wrong. I believe that when the whole story comes out and it will she is going to feel real stupid. I don't condone any man whether he is a Preacher Priest or Rabbi etc or even plain Joe Bloe when you are married they are suppose to take the vows serious. I do realize that when the title is tacted on the flesh is still the same. Jesus said it plain Those without sin cast the first stone. I don't know what kind of work you done with Rev. Simmons but if you call yourself a Christian and not just a Church Folk you need to Check yourself,