A judge has dismissed charges against Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard for his alleged involvement in soliciting sex with a minor.
According to CBN News, this week, prosecutors from Chesterfield County, Virginia, told the judge that the case would be nolle pros, which means the charges would be dropped but could be refiled at a later date if prosecutors felt they had enough evidence against the pastor.
Blanchard's attorney said he was "pleased with the outcome" of the case.
Blanchard, 52, stepped down from his role at the church after his arrest in October 2021. He was one of 17 men accused of solicitation of prostitution after officers arrested them during an undercover operation.
Chesterfield County Police Special Victims Unit communicated with the suspects online and through social media platforms. The men ranged from ages 24 to 52.
After Blanchard was released, he took the stage at the church during a live stream to preach.
His wife, Robin Gimenez Blanchard, also posted about the arrest on Facebook. Her post has since been deleted.
"I think each of us has judged someone or something prematurely, and we have also probably experienced the pain of being judged that way. Lord, forgive us!" Blanchard said. "We need to give each other the benefit of the doubt! We need to look closely enough and long enough to see the big picture before we rule things out. Why? Because God does that for us all the time."
The church later released a statement saying Blanchard had voluntarily stepped down from his role as lead pastor.
"As followers of Christ, we must remember that redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and healing are all gifts given to the children of God," the church stated. "Although everyone must address their own convictions and consequences, our assignment as believers is not to condemn, but to be agents of God's love, healing, justice, and reconciliation."
The Blanchards have served as the church's lead pastors since 2013.
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Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
