Harassment Case Against Pastor Dismissed

February 28, 1996 - 7:57 p.m. EST

It was matter of his word against hers in a Dunn courtroom Wednesday, and the judge obviously took the word of Leon Jackson Tart over that of Carla Dozier (L).

Tart, a 55-year resident of Dunn, and pastor of the Jonesboro Baptist Church for the past 22 years, also runs a paint and carpet business. It was there that Dozier charges he hugged her and grabbed her breasts for the second time.

The first incident, she says, occurred in her Sampson County home. Her encounters with Tart came about when she made a carpet purchase.

Tart's friends, parishioners and supporters cheered when the judge dismissed the case soon after it started.

One said that Tart is a very friendly person who hugs men and women frequently.

Tart will still have to answer to the first charge in a Sampson County court