Former Ohatchee preacher arrested for alleged sex abuse

Associated Press/June 14, 2006

Anniston — An 82-year-old former Ohatchee preacher was arrested in Anniston on a charge accusing him of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl.

William Winford Kitchens was arrested June 6 on one charge of first-degree sexual abuse, according to police reports. He was released on $25,000 bond.

A joint investigation between the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and the Daybreak Rape Crisis Center revealed the alleged abuse, which Chief Deputy Matthew Wade said occurred several times in three states.

Deputies said that Kitchens was a retired preacher but did not know which church he had served. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 27.