Father of man accused in church sexual assault says suspect is disabled
A Wake County man is facing multiple charges after allegedly engaging in sexual activities with a 6-year-old girl at a church.
William Brandon Coffey, 33, made his first court appearance Thursday afternoon on charges of indecent liberties with a child, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree sex offense of a child.
Coffey's father, Edward Coffey, said his son is mentally disabled. He said they were together Tuesday at a men's bible study at the Body of Christ Church when William Coffey left for a minute to fill up his water bottle.
"But then he came back to the meeting, and for about 40 to 45 minutes we continued the meeting with William sitting right there," Edward Coffey said. "He didn't seem disheveled, upset or anything else."
According to court documents, the female victim told police she went to use the bathroom when Coffey picked her up and brought her into the men's bathroom. While in the men's bathroom, Coffey pulled the victim's pants and rubbed his genitals against her, then covered her mouth when she attempted to scream, she said. He then kissed her and let her leave.
The victim immediately told her parents about the incident and was taken to WakeMed, where a sexual assault evidence collection kit was performed, according to documents. Coffey was arrested the following day at his Zebulon home.
Coffey was already on the sex offender registry for indecent liberties with a child. The victim in that incident, which occurred in 2009, was 9 years old.
"I am very worried about him, and especially on something like this that doesn't make any sense," Edward Coffey said. "It has no credibility."
The Body of Christ Church issued a statement late Thursday saying they have taken serious measures over the last few years to ensure the safety and security of their patrons.
"Body of Christ Church has existed for over 25 years in the Raleigh area. We serve thousands of adults and children in our community seven days a week through many different programs. In our best efforts, we will continue to do so even in light of this unfortunate event. Our ultimate concern and care now has always been for the child and family involved. It is clear as we consider the many events in our nation where the church and those who attend church have become victims of criminal behavior that we don't live in a protective bubble from the ills of society. These are difficult times and we will continue to minister through these difficulties."
Coffey was being held at the Wake County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.
