Bond Revoked for Palatka Pastor Accused of Sexual Relationship with Minor

Palatka, FL — Troubling development in a case that has shocked a local community in Florida, a judge has revoked the bond of Leo Alfonzo Parker, a 42-year-old pastor, who is charged with engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor. On Wednesday, July 25, Seventh Circuit Judge Alicia Washington ordered Parker back to jail following a hearing that revealed the severity of the allegations against him.

Parker, who is the pastor of Emerge Church of Palatka, was initially arrested on April 16, facing serious accusations including sexual battery and conducting sexual acts with a child aged between 12 and 18. Just a day after his arrest, Parker was released from Putnam County Jail after posting a $100,000 bond. However, his temporary freedom was short-lived as the State Attorney’s Office swiftly moved to revoke his bond on Thursday, citing the nature of the charges, which include capital offenses.

According to court documents, the allegations were brought to light following a report from the victim to the Palatka Police Department and the Florida Department of Children and Families. The victim, who reportedly has a familial connection to Parker, recounted disturbing details of how the pastor’s inappropriate behavior began when she was just 12 or 13 years old.

During an interview with law enforcement, she disclosed that Parker had driven her to Atlanta under the guise of a church trip where he exposed her to pornography.