Registered sex offender worked on school, church campus in Haslet
A registered sex offender had been working at a Haslet private school up until this past weekend, when his father, the pastor of the associated church, fired him.
Parents at Heritage Christian Academy are calling for the resignation of Heritage Baptist Church Pastor Eric Crawford for employing his son, Caleb Crawford, with knowledge of his son’s conviction for touching a 12-year-old girl in 2016.
Caleb Crawford worked as a contractor in the maintenance department and was a volunteer leading music, according to a statement from the school on behalf of the pastor.
“My intent was to allow his gifts to serve the ministry while ensuring that he held no role of responsibility or authority over minors entrusted to our care,” the statement reads.
The campus at 1200 FM 156 includes a school, church and daycare and serves children from 12 months old through the 12th grade.
“However, this decision has recently caused concern within our parent community and has created unnecessary distraction within our ministry,” the statement says. “After careful consideration, I have reversed that decision.”
The termination of Caleb Crawford’s contract was effective as of Feb. 16, though he will be allowed to attend public worship services, the statement says.
Katie Thompson said she started the petition for Eric Crawford’s resignation because the statement proved to her that there was a lack of accountability. Her goal is not only to have the pastor resign but also to have a third party investigate the situation.
“It does not matter if Caleb Crawford is removed as an ‘independent contractor,’ if leadership doesn’t believe anything wrong has happened.” Thompson said. “If you read the statement put out, they basically were like, we already knew all this happened. We thought it was fine. And that says to me, in three months, they might have him back as an independent contractor, and I don’t want that to happen.”
Thompson said she was not shocked to find out about the situation or the family’s involvement. While she attended the church as a teenager, Thompson said it was clear to her that the church would do anything to maintain an image.
The petition was started on Wednesday had about 50 signatures by midday.