Local

Controversial pastor, political activist indicted on 11 counts in child molestation case in Georgia

A grand jury has indicted a controversial pastor and political activist on 11 counts, including eight counts of child molestation.

Kenneth Adkins, 56, is facing nine new charges after he was arrested in August on one count of aggravated child molestation and one count of child molestation.

He is now charged with five counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, two counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes and influencing a witness.

Photos: 12 men arrested in Jacksonville prostitution sting

The alleged abuse happened at Adkins' church office in Brunswick between 2009 and 2010.

According to an indictment Action News Jax obtained Monday, Adkins tried to intimidate a witness during a phone call from the Glynn County Jail.

The indictment said Adkins threatened to reveal secrets about the accuser's friend if he didn't reach out to him.

He's been held without bond since his arrest.

"As Judge Sol Wachtler once famously observed, a prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich," Adkins' attorney Kevin Gough said. "Having already demanded a speedy trial, and eager to clear his good name, Pastor Kenneth Adkins and his family look forward to his day in court."

22-year-old killed after falling from back of motorcycle on I-295 in Jacksonville

Adkins has one church with locations in Brunswick, Jacksonville and Atlanta, according to his website.

His wife Charlotte "Stormy" Adkins has defended her husband, calling the arrest "a rush to judgment by law enforcement."

She said the charges are false and she believes he will ultimately be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Pastor Kenneth Adkins is facing 9 new charges, including trying to INTIMIDATE a witness from jail. Larry Spruill Action News Jax spoke to Adkin's attorney about the new charges -- watch CBS47 at 11 p.m.

Posted by Action News Jax on Monday, November 21, 2016