East Austin Parish Sued After Sexual Assault Of Child Charges Alleged

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- The family of am alleged sexual abuse victim is suing an East Austin church after allegations surfaced a pastor there had sex with a teen parishioner, according to published reports.

A mother claiming her daughter was molested by former Rev. Henry Lee McGee is now suing him, his wife and First Baptist Church stemming from the allegations. The woman said McGee, 69, had sex with her daughter starting when she was 13 two years ago until October of last year, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

According to the lawsuit: “Church administrators were suspicious of the relationship between Pastor McGee and the minor and approached him, but failed to report the abuse.” The alleged victim now has suffers "severe emotional distress and mental anguish" as a result, the lawsuit continues.

A parish spokesman declined comment when reached by the Statesman, and an attorney for McGee said his client vehemently denies the allegations. The church is located in the 4800 block of Heflin Lane.

McGee, who lives in Round Rock, faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault as a result of the girl's earlier outcry to law enforcement officials. His attorney confirmed to the newspaper that McGee faces the same charge in Williamson County that was filed in May, alleging he sexually assaulted a child some seven years ago.

Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman >>