Judge dismisses charge against man who alleged sex with televangelist

KESQ Channel 3/March 2, 2005

Santa Ana, Calif. -- A judge has rejected claims that a man violated a court order by going public with allegations of a sexual encounter with televangelist Paul Crouch, founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

The Orange County judge says Crouch's lawyers did not have enough proof to support their case against Enoch Lonnie Ford, a former network employee. In 2003, another judge barred him from talking to reporters about his allegation that Crouch seduced him at a mountain cabin.

But in September, the Los Angeles Times revealed the allegations in a story citing Ford's friends and court documents. Another story that ran ten days later included statements from Ford. The judge also ruled the Times reporters who worked on the stories would NOT have to testify because of California's shield law protecting reporters from disclosing sources.

Crouch, founder of the world's largest Christian broadcasting network, has repeatedly denied the allegations.