Who would have anticipated this?
Charges have been dismissed in the case of Anthony Boyd (above), a former security guard charged in a 2010 theft from Bishop Eddie Long's office at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. One of the co-defendants recently settled a sexual misconduct lawsuit against Long.
"We decided to cut our losses," James told the AJC, saying prosecution would be complicated by Long's reluctance to testify against Anthony Boyd. Also, "the defendant is not accused of using a weapon and doesn't have a bad criminal history."
Boyd, 20, said Long interceded because he was afraid of being called as a witness by the prosecution. Boyd told the AJC that he spoke to Long last week and was told, "You don't have anything to worry about."
Boyd is accused of stealing $100,000 worth of jewelry and electronics, including the pastor's personal iPad and iPhone. Boyd said Maurice Robinson and another former church member broke in to get digital evidence against the anti-gay mega-church pastor for the sexual misconduct lawsuits they were planning to file. Boyd plead not guilty in June.
The four young men—Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande—filed sexual coercion lawsuits against Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church last fall. Long was accused of using church funds to give the young men cash, gifts and cars. The sexual relationships reportedly began when each of the plaintiffs were around 16 years old. A fifth man later came forward with more allegations.
A judge dismissed the lawsuits on May 27, one day after both sides announced they agreed to a settlement. The parties agreed not to disclose the dollar amount. Since the settlement, two of the accusers have spoken out about Long's hypocritical and predatory behavior.
The truth will set you free, etc..
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Wise move Eddie. Anthony Boyd knows to much about the real Eddie Long...
Posted by: Chaz | 20 September 2011 at 04:53
Maybe he is learning…
Posted by: DBarr | 20 September 2011 at 09:56