The Pastor Of A Newport Tennessee Church Is Accused Of Sexually Assaulting A Teenage Parishioner. James Ronnie Messer Is Charged With Statutory Rape, Forcible Rape And Aggravated Sexual Battery By An Authority Figure. He’s Alleged To Have Had Inappropriate Contact With A Teenage Girl In His Church. The Girl Reportedly Told Family Members She Had Been Raped By Messer. He Allegedly Admitted To Having Contact With The Girl But Claimed It Was Consensual. He Will Appear In Court Soon.