Updated 07/19/2007 08:51 PM
Commissioner accused of sex crimes
By: Jennifer Moxley & David Kernodle
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KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- SBI and Kannapolis police arrested Cabarrus County commissioner and pastor Coy Privette on Thursday for alleged sex crimes.
Privette, 74, faces six charges of aiding and abetting prostitution -- all are misdemeanors. According to the warrants, Privette rented a hotel room and paid for sexual acts six different times between May 4 and June 25.
The woman involved is named in the warrants, but she has not been charged in this case. The 32-year-old had previously been arrested for a variety of crimes including prostitution.
Privette was released on a written promise to appear in court August 22.
Coy Privette
Privette, currently serving his second term as a Cabarrus County commissioner, is a former state representative and was a pastor at many local churches. He was president of the Baptist State Convention, has been outspoken about his conservative views and even questioned the conservative stance of fellow politicians.
The SBI began the investigation June 26 after a request by Rowan County district attorney Bill Kenerly and the Kannapolis Police Department.
Bob Carruth, chairman of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, has released a written statement on Privette's arrest.
He asks that everyone keep the commissioner's family in their prayers, and says the board will move forward with the business of the county.
Carruth said no one should be convicted in the court of public opinion, adding that North Carolina general statute does not give authority to a county commission to take disciplinary action against a board member charged with or convicted of a crime.