Baptist pastor accused of sex assaults

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The pastor of a Walker Baptist church is expected in court Thursday to face charges he sexually assaulted two boys, each under 13, that he met through the church.

The Rev. Tedd Butler, pastor of the Gospel Light Baptist Church, is accused of two separate offenses.

In Ottawa County, he's facing second-degree sexual assault -- that is, improper touching - in Ottawa County's Tallmadge Township. Records show he lives in that township, but it's not known whether these alleged offenses happened at his home.

But in northern Kent County, authorities told 24 Hour News 8 he's being charged with first-degree sexual assault with a different boy.

Ottawa County investigators said the alleged assaults happened years ago.

Butler, 46, is married with children and has no criminal record.

The church's web site shows he joined Gospel Light Baptist Church in 2003 after working as a youth pastor at a Baptist church in Newaygo.

Police told 24 Hour News 8 he turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Allegan County Jail. It's unknown why he chose to surrender in Allegan.

Neighbors told 24 Hour News 8 the family moved out about six weeks ago and put their house up for sale.

Butler is expected in court Thursday morning.

24 Hour News 8 will have more information as it develops.

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