Local pastor sentenced to 2 years of probation Charged with disorderly conduct

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by Ellin Walsh

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- A local pastor pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct Feb. 15 after being accused of touching two female shoppers at Chapel Hill Mall last summer.

Fallsite Adam P. Barton, pastor of the young married and families ministry at The Chapel in Akron, was arrested and originally charged July 3, 2007 with two counts of sexual imposition after two women alleged he inappropriately touched them while they were shopping at the mall that day.

Barton was unavailable for comment by press time.

Barton had pleaded not guilty in July to those charges. The 24-year-old woman and 17-year-old girl who made the allegations are both residents of Stow.

Those charges were reduced to disorderly conduct Feb. 15.

Akron Municipal Court Judge Eve V. Belfance found Barton guilty and sentenced him to two years probation. He must undergo a psychological evaluation at his own expense, Belfance's bailiff said, as well as pay court costs and have no contact with the two women in question.

If Barton completes the evaluation, the bailiff said, a $350 fine and a 30-day jail sentence for each offense will be suspended.

Dave Smith, managing pastor at The Chapel, said Barton was placed on leave after the church was made aware of the allegations and will remain so, until an internal investigation is completed.

Smith estimated that should occur within 30 days.

E-mail: ewalsh@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3908