Midlands Minister Accused of Sex Crimes

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) —   A Midlands pastor is accused of sexual crimes against children.  Columbia police say Willie Marvin Sr. is charged with several sex crimes including sending sexually explicit texts and photos to a 15-year-old girl.  An incident report also states Marvin is accused of forcible rape.

Marvin, who is also the pastor of New Life World Ministries, was terminated from his job as a therapeutic counselor at Columbia Children’s Home amid the allegations.  Marvin was hired October 21. The allegations were filed November 14. John Kessler, spokesperson for the Columbia Children’s Home, says a cell phone owned by Marvin was found on campus.  The cell phone, according to Kessler, contained explicit texts and photos sent to teenaged girls 13 to 16. Home officials began an internal investigation and then turned over information to investigators.

People who know Marvin as a pastor have differing opinions about the allegations.  One person tells ABC Columbia News he is ‘shocked,’ while another says ‘do not judge.’