LUBBOCK COUNTY, Texas — A staff member at a Granbury church – and formerly a youth pastor at a church in Lubbock – has been arrested on a charge of sexual assault of a child, jail records show.
Luke Cunningham, 41, was arrested by U.S. Marshalls in the 1400 block of 15th Street in Shallowater and booked into Lubbock County Jail on Wednesday.
Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury sent its congregation an email regarding Cunningham's arrest. In it, the church says it was notified Cunningham had been accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor at another church and the church immediately suspended him after learning of the accusation. The church said that within days "there was enough evidence to turn him over to the Personnel Committee, who immediately released him from employment."
The church also reported what it had discovered to state law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement in both Lubbock and Granbury, according to their email to church members obtained by WFAA. Lakeside Baptist Church said they spoke with other church leaders and instructed all staff to come forward and cooperate fully with police.
"Although we are not aware of any assaults having occurred with any of our students, we wish to say again that we stand ready to continue offering help with professional counselors. Moreover, if you or your child have been a victim of sexual abuse or have information that would help law enforcement, please contact law enforcement immediately," Lakeside continued in its message to its church members.
The church told WFAA Cunningham was employed at the church for 2 years and 9 months.
Turning Point Community Church in Lubbock said it was contacted by Lakeside Baptist Church about the allegations surrounding Cunningham on June 3. Turning Point said Lakeside Baptist had learned of potential victims during Cunningham's time of service at Turning Point, which dated from 2016 to 2020. Cunningham served as Student Pastor.
Turning Point said in a statement to WFAA that during Cunningham's time on staff, the church never received any complaints or allegations, nor had any suspicion of wrongdoing. The Lubbock-based church reiterated that the allegations about Cunningham had surfaced after his employment, not during or before, and had no awareness of the alleged abuses.
"We are devastated by these allegations and feel enormous grief for anyone who is a potential victim. Our hope is to provide any assistance we can offer to any victims of sexual abuse to find the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual peace needed to heal and move forward. We condemn any actions of sexual misconduct and certainly assault of any person, especially those under our care," Turning Point said, in part.
Both churches in Lubbock and Granbury urge those who have either been a victims or have any information about the allegations regarding Cunningham, to contact the Lubbock Police Department.
More Texas headlines: