Ruckersville Pastor Charged with Child Sexual Violation Released on Bond

Ruckersville Pastor Charged with Child Sexual Violation Released on Bond

Rodney Martin Locklear, a 47-year-old pastor from Ruckersville, has been released from jail on bond after being charged with sexually violating children. Locklear was indicted in Madison County Circuit Court on March 4 on six crimes against children, including abduction of a minor, sexually penetrating a minor with an object, indecent liberties with a child, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. These charges stem from incidents that occurred in 2023.

Locklear came under investigation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in February, where he was initially charged with abduction with intent to defile and two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child between the ages of 13 and 14. Locklear had been leading children’s Bible study classes at Victory Church on Wednesdays and had been a pastor at the church for six years.

Last week, the Madison County Circuit Court approved a motion to transfer Locklear’s cases to Greene County Circuit Court to prevent the victim from having to testify multiple times. Locklear’s three charges in Greene County have been certified to the June 10 Greene County Grand Jury.

Locklear is currently out on a $20,000 secured bond with strict conditions, including GPS monitoring, no contact with the victim or their family, and no access to the internet or firearms. An ongoing investigation is being conducted, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information regarding Locklear to contact authorities.

This case has shocked the community and raised concerns about child safety in places of worship. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.