Preacher & Wife Both Facing Charges After Baby Kidnapped, Police Say

Preacher and Wife arrested after kidnapping baby, police

A South Carolina preacher and his wife are behind bars this week on separate charges after the woman allegedly kidnapped a 2-month-old baby while babysitting for the infant's mother. 

According to a press release from the Laurens County Sheriff's office, 31-year-old Jennifer Bunting English was babysitting for the mother of a 2-month-old infant when she disappeared with the child, and cut off all communication with the mother. 

When deputies caught up with English, they discovered she had been smoking marijuana around the infant prior to their arrival. English was arrested and charged with kidnapping and unlawful conduct toward a child. The 2-month-old was taken to a local hospital to be treated and evaluated. 

During the course of the investigation, deputies discovered that her 33-year-old husband and preacher David English, was aware of his wife's drug addiction and admitted to helping obtain illegal drugs in the past. 

Deputies also learned that David English had assaulted his wife earlier that week, causing "significant injuries" according to a statement released by sheriff Don Reynolds. A warrant was issued for English's arrest and he turned himself in to police later that day. David English was been charged with domestic violence, second degree, and unlawful conduct toward a child. 

“This was a terrible incident but luckily we found the baby before this turned out to be much more tragic than it already is. Hopefully this lady will stay behind bars where she can’t put anymore children in danger," Reynolds said. 

"As for Mr. English, this guy is a preacher as well as a teacher in another county. It is very disturbing to think that someone in his position, which makes him a role model to our youth, would assist his wife in purchasing illegal drugs or would assault a woman. We will continue to incarcerate these types of violent offenders and put it in the hands of the prosecution," the sheriff added. 

Photo credit: Laurens County Sheriff's Office


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