A former pastor charged with child sex crimes will be tried over three days this fall.
Last week, a three-day trial was set in the case of Rodney Martin Locklear. The 48-year-old Ruckersville man faces nine charges–abduction with the intent to defile; two counts of aggravated sexual battery by force of a 13 to 14-year-old; object sexual penetration by force; abduction of a minor; three counts of an indecent act with a child while a custodian and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Six of the charges were originally charged in Madison County, but adjoined with cases in Greene County to prevent victims from having to testify multiple times.
The crimes allegedly occurred in early May 2023 both at the now-defunct Victory Church, where Locklear was a pastor for six years, and at his nearby residence. Prior to his tenure at Victory Church, Locklear pastored at Abundant Life Church. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in October and remains under GPS-monitored house arrest allowing for travel to and from work. He is not to have any contact with the victim or their family, household members of witnesses and cannot have any contact with a minor other than his child. Locklear is also prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol, cannot have access to the internet or possess internet-connected devices and cannot have any firearms or destructive devices in his home.
A three-day trial will be held Oct. 21-23 in Greene County Circuit Court. A half-day motions hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 11.
