Ex-Christian Group Leader Pleads Guilty to Solicitation Charges

Salisbury, N.C. — A former lawmaker and president of a North Carolina Christian group pleaded guilty Wednesday to soliciting a prostitute.

Coy C. Privette, 74, of Kannapolis, was placed on probation for one year after pleading guilty to six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution. He also was ordered to perform 48 hours of community service and receive counseling.

Privette was arrested last month after investigators said he rented a hotel room and paid Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury, for sexual acts. Summers was charged with six counts of prostitution in the case.

Police were investigating a forged check case when investigators learned of the alleged prostitution.

A retired Baptist minister, Privette served four terms in the state House and is a member of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners.

Privette resigned as president of the Christian Action League of North Carolina the day after his arrest. The organization represents Christian groups' interests in the General Assembly.

He had been the group’s president for six years and served as its executive director for 15 years before that. He has been one of the state's most vocal opponents to the lottery and to alcohol sales.