Prosecutors announce new evidence to submit in pastor sex-trafficking case
9/10/2018Federal prosecutors expect to submit evidence of additional acts by two Toledo-area pastors charged in a child sex-trafficking conspiracy.
In a court filing Monday, prosecutors provided notice of evidence regarding sexual encounters between Anthony Haynes and another in front of and with a juvenile.
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Jenkins, left, and Haynes, right.
Additionally, they announced that Cordell Jenkins searched online for prostitutes during the time frame of his indictment.
Lorin Zaner, who is representing Mr. Jenkins, said they are reviewing the motion and will likely file an objection.
“I don't know how any of that is relevant with the issues to which he's charged,” Mr. Zaner said.
Mr. Haynes' attorney, John Thebes, declined comment.
This newly public information comes after last week's pre-trial hearing in U.S. District Court.
Judge Jack Zouhary at that hearing set a Friday deadline for Mr. Haynes, 39, to decide on a proposed plea agreement.
Co-defendants Mr. Jenkins, 48, and his wife, former Lucas County Administrator Laura Lloyd-Jenkins, 43, also appeared in advance of the scheduled Oct. 29 trial with Mr. Haynes.
Mr. Jenkins founded Abundant Life Ministries and Mr. Haynes led Greater Life Christian Center. Both men face charges including child sex trafficking and production of child pornography.
Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins is charged with obstructing a sex-trafficking investigation and making a false statement to federal investigators. Judge Zouhary last week declined Ms. Lloyd-Jenkins' request for a separate trial from the co-defendants.
A third pastor, Kenneth Butler, 38, formerly of Kingdom Encounter Family Worship Center in Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffic children, obstruction of a sex-trafficking investigation, and two counts of sex trafficking of children.
He faces an agreed-upon term of 17½ years in prison when sentenced Nov. 20.
Contact Ryan Dunn at rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.