A Texas grand jury has returned a “no bill” in the case against Ronnie Goines, the lead pastor of Koinonia Christian Church, effectively ending the criminal investigation into allegations of assault.
“As counsel for Pastor Goines, I am pleased with the outcome of the grand jury’s investigation resulting in the no-bill of indictment that effectively acquits him of this heinous allegation,” Goines’ attorney Michael Heiskell told KERA News. “From the beginning we asserted his innocence in court and have remained steadfast in that position.”
The pastor is still facing an indecent assault charge, which is a misdemeanor, according to KERA News. Goines has consistently maintained his innocence.
The grand jury’s “no bill” decision means that, based on evidence presented by prosecutors, they found insufficient grounds to proceed with criminal charges.
Goines, 52, originally turned himself into police in July and eventually stepped down from his leadership position at Koinonia Church. However, he returned to the pulpit months later, declaring his innocence.
“That’s just something that I did not do. Not guilty, [I am] innocent,” he told reporters.
According to KERA News, the unnamed victim sued Goines and his church in February and alleged not only sexual assault, but also accused both of “negligence, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, civil conspiracy, and sexual exploitation.” The lawsuit, still pending, demands $1 million in damages.