Rev. Samuel Ratliff Accused of Sexual Assault

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Man Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Pastor
Police Investigation Under Way Into Alleged Assault

POSTED: 4:58 p.m. CDT August 29, 2003
UPDATED: 5:18 p.m. CDT August 29, 2003

HOUSTON -- A lawsuit was filed against a southeast Houston pastor, who is accused of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and battery against a fellow minister, News2Houston reported Friday.
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Minister Accuses Fellow Minister Of Sexual Assault

The lawsuit names Rev. Joe Samuel Ratliff, a pastor at Brentwood Baptist Church SBC, 13033 Landmark, as the defendant. The church is also named in the lawsuit.

The attorney for the alleged victim, a man, said he has a small stature and was not able to defend himself from Ratliff when Ratliff tried to force him to have sex in the church office more than two years ago on Feb. 10, 2001.

"The male victim was physically forced into the office of Pastor Joe Ratliff, restrained, sexually assaulted and battered," said Kevin Murray, an attorney for the alleged victim.

Murray said his client taped conversations with Ratliff in which the reverend used suggestive language and invited the man to have sex for money.

He is suing for damages, but an amount was not specified.

"For the record, this case is not about money. This case is about a fraud in the community who wields an incredible amount of power and an incredible amount of influence over a number of people. He cannot continue to take advantage of individuals who may be physically weaker or in a mental state to be manipulated," said Canonero Brown, an attorney for the alleged victim.

The 37-year-old alleged victim, a fellow minister at the church, said he was coming forward now because of the pastor's immense stature in the community.

Ratliff was unavailable for comment and church officials did not return phone calls from News2Houston Friday.

Houston police confirm a sexual assault complaint was filed with their office two days after the alleged incident. It is still under investigation. Police would not elaborate due to the nature of the alleged crime.

Ratliff has been with Brentwood Baptist Church for 22 years. One of the church's buildings bears his name.



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What is the world coming to? This person recorded conversations that they had. If you want to see the website of the church it is:

www.brentwoodbaptist.org/