Former Bethel AME Choir Director sentenced
The Sun reported today that 32-year-old former music director Timothy D. Price III of West Baltimore's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was sentenced in Baltimore Circuit Court to seven years in prison for having sex with a young female parishioner.
A Circuit Court Judge handed up the sentence moments before the defendant, Timothy D. Price III of Owings Mills, collapsed on the courtroom floor as he tried to stand up to hear the judge’s final remarks. From the gallery, the victim’s mother shouted at Price’s relatives and had to be restrained by family members, prompting sheriff deputies to clear the courtroom.
Price was revived and was sentenced to 20 years in prison with all but seven years suspended on his second-degree rape conviction. Price was the choir director of The Bethel Outreach of Love Choir that won last year's Baltimore Sun, Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Celebration contest held at Morgan State University.
To read the entire report, click here.
Comments
It's not like we are speaking of a girl that is completely and entirely innocent. Because she is not. This whole thing blown way out of proportion. Judges need to put away real criminals, nasty grown men that do this to 4 year olds. It's a waste of tax payers money and a cell for a carrier criminal not a man of god and for god.
Posted by: Ashley | August 2, 2008 1:34 AM
I do not feel bad for this guy one bit. He has ruined a naive 12 year old childs life, his family's life as well as his own. It's just absurd that after a pyschological review it was found that he is not a pedophile. What?!? He raped a 12 year old child. She may have consented but what does she know about sex and it's consequences. These type of situations keep me out of some of these pimped out churches. Of course all of the pity is going out to this guy that commited the crime. I hope that God punishes him for this horrible act as it is written.
Posted by: Cal | August 2, 2008 5:20 AM
Well I feel sorry for them both! Tim now has to do 7 yrs.Which is a long time to doin jail.The girl I trust God will restore her life.But forget pitty this is real he will be gone a long time.Then for the REST of his life register as a raptist. This is really bad.God have Mercy!!!
Posted by: jsm | August 3, 2008 12:31 PM
Well I feel sorry for them both! Tim now has to do 7 yrs.Which is a long time to doin jail.The girl I trust God will restore her life.But forget pitty this is real he will be gone a long time.Then for the REST of his life register as a raptist. This is really bad.God have Mercy!!!
Posted by: jsm | August 3, 2008 12:31 PM
Have we forgotten the word ACCOUNTABILITY. What Mother would allow their FEMALE 12 YEAR OLD to go (ALONE) with a 31 year old man; regardless of who he is? When did we start allowing our 12 year olds to come home with new clothes, new tennis shoes....THAT WE OURSELVES DIDN'T BUY?! NOW SHE SAYS 'SHE LOVES HIM'. MOM, I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU.....THIS IS 50% YOUR FAULT!!!!!!
Posted by: P. Joyce Butler | August 6, 2008 12:00 PM
Have we forgotten the word ACCOUNTABILITY. What Mother would allow their FEMALE 12 YEAR OLD to go (ALONE) with a 31 year old man; regardless of who he is? When did we start allowing our 12 year olds to come home with new clothes, new tennis shoes....THAT WE OURSELVES DIDN'T BUY?! NOW SHE SAYS 'SHE LOVES HIM'. MOM, I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU.....THIS IS 50% YOUR FAULT!!!!!!
Posted by: P. Joyce Butler | August 6, 2008 12:00 PM
1st...I agree with Joyce B.. It's partly the parents fault.
2nd....RAPE means forcefully, against someones will. This girl being 12 doesn't mean she is nieve. If she has been with him, who's to say she hasn't been with others? She is old enough to be held accountable as well.
3rd...it's funny/amazing how you can get 5 years for a hundgun, but get 20 years suspend all but 7 for a consentual act......the law is so screwed...
Posted by: Sharee | August 27, 2008 12:06 AM
Wait, Wait. We're talking about a 12 yr old. I don't care, she is a child. I think the mother and this guy should be held accountable. This guy committed a crime. It's not OK to have sex with a child!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tia | August 28, 2008 1:38 PM
I do agree that the mother does share 50% of the responsibility for letting her daughter be alone with a 31 year old man. That is ridiculous. But I truly don't understand why the church does not take people like Mr. Price to task for their deplorable actions. This man had so called "consensual sex" with a 12-year-old girl. This is a child! I don't care if she laid before him naked offering herself to him. Isn't he a responsible adult? He definitely manipulated the situation. Since he is a choir director he gets all this sympathy. Please! He needs to pay the penalty for what he has done. He needs to serve time and then register as a sex offender, because that is exactly what he is. I definitely feel sorry for his wife and child who will suffer because of his actions. While in prison this man needs to repent, truly get right with God, and then when he gets out, make sure that he is never in any ministries around children ever again.
Posted by: E. Williams | August 28, 2008 1:50 PM
Every member @Bethel thats feeling sorry for Tim .. You ARE HIPOCRITES
a CHILD IS A CHILD , AND his wife needs to protect her daughter from him , its obvious that he needs help , and so do those of you that are feeling sorry for him ..
Posted by: TERRI B | August 31, 2008 1:53 AM
I see that most people say the Mother is 50% responsible....If you look at it she's 100% responsible. When you have young children (male or female) it is the responsibllity of the parent (Mom or Dad) to ensure the safety of their children. With times as they are now, we must continue to protect what God has entrusted to us. It is sad on both ends, we have 2 individuals who will need your support through prayer and fasting. As for Bethel and Terri B, read 2nd. Peter 1
Posted by: L. Bridges - Jacksonville, FL | September 4, 2008 9:20 PM