SALISBURY, MD — The Wicomico Child Advocacy Center has confirmed the arrest of three men tied to an extensive investigation involving the sexual abuse of minors, with disturbing allegations linking the accused to their roles within a local Salisbury church. The investigation, which spans back to late 2023, has brought to light horrific details of abuse allegedly committed under the guise of religious trust and community involvement.
Arrests Stem from Months-Long Investigation
The initial probe began in November 2023, focusing on Jessie Lee Scott and Major Leslie Purnell Sr. The Advocacy Center, in coordination with law enforcement and prosecutors, alleges that both men sexually abused a child over a number of years, exploiting their positions within the church community to gain access to their victims.
On February 26, 2024, a Wicomico County Grand Jury handed down indictments against both Scott and Purnell. The charges are extensive and include:
- Rape (1st and 2nd Degree)
- Sexual Abuse of a Minor
- Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
- Multiple Counts of Sexual Offenses
- Indecent Exposure
- Assault
Both men are currently facing more than twenty charges each, and are being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center without bond. Their continued detention underscores the severity of the charges and the potential risk they pose to the community.
A Third Suspect Identified
As the investigation evolved, the Child Advocacy Center uncovered a second victim. This new development pointed to a third suspect: Alonzo Leon Parker Jr. According to the investigation, this victim identified Parker as their abuser and described him to authorities as a “church administrator” and “second in command” within the same Salisbury church.
Parker was arrested on April 4, 2024, and initially charged with:
- Child Abuse by a Custodian
- Multiple Counts of 3rd and 4th Degree Sexual Offenses
- 2nd Degree Assault
- Perverted Practice
- Sodomy
While Scott and Purnell remained in custody, Parker was released on a $25,000 bond — a move that has since faced growing public scrutiny. However, the case against him intensified in the days that followed.
100 Charges Filed Against Parker
By April 15, Parker faced a staggering 100 charges, including 49 felony counts, as per court documents obtained by WBOC. The new charges stemmed from additional evidence and testimonies collected during the ongoing investigation.
A new arrest warrant was issued for Parker on April 17, and he was re-arrested on April 18. Initially processed through the District Court, Parker’s case has now been transferred to Circuit Court, signaling the magnitude and complexity of the legal proceedings ahead.
Church Affiliation and Abuse of Power
All three men were allegedly affiliated with the same Salisbury-area church, using their roles to gain the trust of families and access to vulnerable children. The Child Advocacy Center has not released the name of the church, but confirmed that its connection to the suspects played a significant role in facilitating the abuse.
“This case is a sobering reminder of how positions of trust — especially within religious institutions — can be manipulated to harm the very individuals they are meant to protect,” said a spokesperson for the Advocacy Center.
Community Shocked and Demanding Accountability
The local community has been left reeling from the news, especially those who had attended services or sent their children to church-related programs. Many expressed feelings of betrayal and anger, calling for a broader investigation into the church’s leadership structure and potential systemic failings.
“This isn’t just about individual wrongdoing,” said a community member. “It’s about how the structure allowed it to happen and covered it up or ignored it for so long.”
Local authorities are urging any additional victims or individuals with relevant information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Looking Ahead
The legal process for Scott, Purnell, and Parker is expected to be lengthy, with multiple court hearings scheduled in the coming months. Prosecutors have indicated their intent to pursue the full extent of the law, emphasizing the lifelong impact these alleged crimes have on survivors.
The Wicomico Child Advocacy Center continues to provide support services to victims and families affected by the case and is working with state and federal partners to ensure justice is served.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, contact the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support and assistance.
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