Former church youth leader charged with felony statutory sex offense with a child 15 or younger

A North Carolina woman has been charged with felony statutory sex offense with a child 15 or younger. The 35-year-old woman reportedly stepped down from her role as a former church youth leader just days before her arrest.

The Kings Mountain Police Department Criminal Investigation Division received a report of a sexual assault on a minor on July 28.

The Kings Mountain Police Department said in a statement, "CID Special Victims Detectives investigated the incident further and interviewed the alleged victim. After consulting with the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office, felony warrants were secured and served on Amanda Buchanan Justice, 35, of Kings Mountain."

Amanda Buchanan Justice, 35, turned herself into authorities on Thursday.

Justice was charged with two counts of felony statutory sex offense with a child under the age of 15 years old. She was transported to the Cleveland County Magistrate's Office. Justice was released on a $20,000 bond.

The Shelby Star reported, "On Thursday, a post was made on the No Compromise Youth Ministry’s Facebook page addressing the charges."

The No Compromise Youth Ministry reportedly said on Facebook, "New Life Partners: We were made aware of the situation that has occurred concerning Amanda Justice. She is no longer attending NLFWC. There is an ongoing investigation in regards to allegations of misconduct with a minor that did not occur on church grounds or any ministry activities. Please continue to pray for this situation and for our church during these difficult times."

Justice purportedly started as a youth leader in May.

The husband of Justice is reportedly still a pastor but recently stepped down from his role as a youth minister following the allegations involving his wife.

According to WSOC-TV, "Justice’s husband told Channel 9′s Erika Jackson that his wife told police about the alleged sex crimes last week, so Thursday’s arrest was not a surprise."

WCNC-TV reported, "New Life Family Worship Center, a church in Kings Mountain, said in a statement posted on Facebook that Justice was a member but no longer attends the church. The church also said the alleged crime did not happen on church grounds nor did it involve any ministry activities."

The investigation into the child sex crime accusations is ongoing.

The Kings Mountain Police Department is urging anyone with details on the case to contact (704) 734-0444, or anonymous tips can be provided to Cleveland County CrimeStoppers.

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