A pastor who reportedly said the LBGT community 'deserved' the Orlando shootings has been charged with child molestation.
Kenneth Adkins, from Brunswick, Georgia, turned himself over to authorities, after allegations were made by a young male who was once a member of his congregation.
Mr Adkins - who denies the accusations - and his wife Charlotte had reportedly been mentoring the boy.
“We are disappointed with what appears to be a rush to judgment by law enforcement authorities in this case. We are confident that Kenneth Adkins will be found innocent of all charges.” Mrs Adkins told The Florida Times-Union.
“This young man was part of our teen ministry,” she said. “Ken and I have treated him like family, as has our church,” she added.
The 56-year-old, who also works as political consultant, has sparked controversy throughout his career through several outspoken comments.
Mr Adkins caused outrage with postings about the Orlando shooting - in which 49 people were killed by gunman Omar Mateen - on his Twitter account. The account has since been closed to non-subscribers.
“Been through so much with these Jacksonville Homosexuals that I don’t see none of them as victims. I see them as getting what they deserve!!” he allegedly tweeted.
Mr Adkins later said he was not referring to the shooting victims, but instead his tweet was “strictly meant for the Jacksonville group that has made my life a living hell”
Mr Adkins’ attorney said his client was looking forward to having his day in court.
.jpg?w=600)
