Update on the Case of Arlington Pastor Ronnie Goines
An Arlington pastor who was facing charges of sexual and indecent assault had the sexual assault charge against him dropped, court records show.
The Rev. Ronnie Goines, 52, turned himself into the Tarrant County jail in July after police obtained two warrants for his arrest. Goines is the founding pastor of Koinonia Christian Church in Arlington and briefly stepped aside as its lead pastor after the allegations against him.
Background of the Case
However, after the interim lead pastor said he himself was asked to resign, Goines announced on Oct. 24 he was returning to the church. Koinonia said in a statement to The Dallas Morning News earlier this month that the church supports Goines and believes the accusations against him are motivated by financial reasons.
Crime in The News
Current Status of the Case
According to Tarrant County court records, Goines was no-billed Wednesday on the felony sexual assault charge, meaning he was not formally charged by a grand jury and is no longer facing the charge. Court records show Goines is still facing a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault. Court records show he is also facing a lawsuit, filed in Tarrant County on Feb. 28, by the same woman who accused him of sexual assault.
Reaction from the Church and the Accuser
“Dr. Goines has faithfully served this congregation and our community with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his calling,” Koinonia said. “Those who know him understand his character and dedication to the teachings of Christ. We stand by him with full confidence in his innocence.”
A representative for Goines and the church said in a statement that the allegations against Goines are “completely unfounded, untrue, and have no basis in reality.”
“Rev. Goines and Koinonia Church have always operated with the utmost respect, integrity, and commitment to the community,” the statement said. “Any interactions referenced in these allegations have been taken entirely out of context and misrepresented. We fully support Rev. Goines and continue to stand by his character, leadership, and dedication to serving others.”
The Lawsuit Against Goines
The lawsuit filed on Feb. 28 says the woman became a member of Koinonia in October 2022. The suit alleges that Goines repeatedly made advances toward her, which she refused, and sexually assaulted her at his home on March 2, 2023.
The assault left her with trauma, leading her to seek counseling for her mental health, the woman told The News. The lawsuit sought $1 million in damages.
Response from the Accuser’s Attorney
Boz Tchividjian, the attorney representing the woman, told The News in a text message Thursday that he and his client appreciate the work of law enforcement and the Tarrant County district attorney in pursuing justice in the case.
”We look forward to Mr. Goines eventually being held accountable for his actions,” Tchividjian said.
Next Steps in the Case
Michael Heiskell, Goines’ attorney, thanked the grand jury for its deliberations and for recognizing that “there was insufficient probable cause” to indict Goines. He said the next step for him and his co-counsel will be to move to dismiss the indecent assault charge against Goines.
“We feel it is in the interest of justice given that the higher charge has been dismissed,” Heiskell said. “All of this arose out of the same alleged actions of Pastor Goines. There is no credibility associated with these allegations against him by the alleged victim.”
Conclusion
The case of Arlington pastor Ronnie Goines is ongoing, with the sexual assault charge against him dropped and a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault still pending. The church and Goines’ attorney maintain his innocence, while the accuser’s attorney looks forward to Goines being held accountable for his actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against Ronnie Goines?
A: Goines was initially facing charges of sexual and indecent assault, but the sexual assault charge was dropped. He is still facing a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault and a lawsuit filed by the same woman who accused him of sexual assault.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The case is ongoing, with the indecent assault charge still pending and the lawsuit moving forward.
Q: What is the reaction from the church and Goines’ attorney?
A: The church and Goines’ attorney maintain his innocence and believe the accusations are motivated by financial reasons.
Q: What is the reaction from the accuser’s attorney?
A: The accuser’s attorney looks forward to Goines being held accountable for his actions and appreciates the work of law enforcement and the Tarrant County district attorney in pursuing justice in the case.
