Houston police say Pastor Robert Holmes knew about the abuse a 12-year-old boy was suffering, but did not report it to authorities. That boy is now living with other relatives. He sustained bruises, cuts and multiple broken bones, authorities say, at the hands of his father and stepmother.
According to police, the pastor thought counseling was enough to help the boy's family. The pastor maintains his innocence.
Holmes said, "I'm a pastor. I take care of this community. Criminals are killing folks, and (police) would do a man of God like this... That's sad. I didn't do anything!"
State law explicitly states:
The requirement to report under this section applies without exception to an individual whose personal communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a member of the clergy, a medical practitioner...or others.
The pastor is charged with injury to a child by omission. The boy's father and stepmother are charged with injury to a child.
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A local pastor charged with failing to report child abuse has hired a high-profile attorney to defend him.
Robert Holmes of the Faith House of Prayer showed up in court Friday with attorney George Parnham.
Holmes is accused of not reporting to police the abuse of a 12-year-old boy at the hands of his father and stepmother.
"We'll be presenting some information to the grand jury, and I feel confident the grand jury will do the right thing," Parnham said. "This is information the prosecutor is probably unaware of."
Holmes didn't go before the judge Friday, and his hearing was reset
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