BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man who was recently the pastor of a Fayette County church has been arrested for offering a minor money for sex.
According to a criminal complaint, on December 8, 2023, a suspect, later identified as Elbert Eugene Goins, also known as “Buddy”, traveled with the intention of meeting a purported minor with the intent to have sexual relations with the minor.
Goins traveled to meet the purported minor at a location in Beckley.
During the conversations, Goins discussed meeting with the child’s purported guardian and the purported minor child with the intent to pay for sexual services with the minor, according to the criminal complaint.
Members of law enforcement were on the scene at the meeting location and observed a vehicle with a male driving matching the description of the suspect.
The driver was identified as, Elbert Goins. He was arrested on scene and transported to the Beckley West Virginia State Police Detachment for processing.
While at the detachment, Goins agreed to an interview and advised he was communicating with an adult in reference to having sexual relations with the adult’s minor child.
In the interview, Goins alluded that upon meeting he was hoping to have sexual relations with the adult, however, he knew what could have been assumed from the conversation.
After processing, Goins was transported to the Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a Raleigh County Magistrate.
Goins is currently out on bond.
Sources tell LOOTPRESS that Goins was recently the pastor of Mount Hope Christian Church in Fayette County.
Following the news, the Board of the Mount Hope Christian Church has released the following statement:
On Friday evening, December 8th, we were shocked to learn of the arrest of our minister, Elbert “Buddy” Goins. Although we do not have all of the information surrounding Mr. Goins’ arrest, we have been informed he was arrested in Beckley and not in Fayette County where our church is located. The incident that resulted in the arrest of Goins did not occur in our church building or on any church premises. Furthermore, the FBI has informed us there is no reason to believe that any of the members of our congregation were involved in the events leading to Mr. Goins’ arrest.On Saturday, December 9th, Mr. Goins’ employment with the church was terminated. We, the Board of the Mount Hope Christian Church, are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation into this matter.We have no further comment at this time.The Board of the Mount Hope Christian Church