Pastor resigns in probe of porn

OSWEGATCHIE — The pastor of Oswegatchie First Baptist Church has resigned from his job after being the subject of an investigation into the downloading of child pornography.

The Rev. Merton E. Parks said Tuesday he was interviewed Monday by St. Lawrence County sheriff's detectives about the downloaded images on his home computer. No criminal charges have been filed.

"It is part of an ongoing investigation from some information we received," Sheriff Kevin M. Wells said Tuesday. "It involves a person that's in the clergy."

St. Lawrence County District Nicole M. Duvé said Tuesday she was aware of an investigation, but declined further comment. Neither would confirm the Rev. Mr. Parks was the focus of the investigation.

The pastor claims he did nothing criminally wrong, but admits to downloading pornographic images of young teens.

"I haven't been able to perform sex with my wife for the past few years," said the Rev. Mr. Parks, who has been married for 36 years and has five children. "I was using the images to help me."

He has served as Oswegatchie First Baptist Church's pastor for about three years and worked previously for about five years in the same position at Hermon First Baptist Church.

"It was some indiscretion on my part. There was no malicious intent," the Rev. Mr. Parks said. "I was trying to help myself with a medical problem. I didn't know they were illegal."

When asked whether he knew downloading child pornography was morally wrong or whether it involved failing to invoke some common sense, he replied, "Yes, but again I believe the images are not pornography."

He claims he didn't take any photographs or abuse any children in the congregations or schools he worked for over the years. He said he worked as a teacher for about 17 years in private schools in New York and Pennsylvania before entering the clergy.

Church leaders met Monday and Tuesday night to discuss his future role as pastor. He offered his resignation, effective immediately, at the Tuesday night meeting.

"I have embarrassed everybody, not just myself," the Rev. Mr. Parks said.

He said he deeply regretted getting the church involved in the ordeal.

"I was prepared to resign at Monday's meeting," the Rev. Mr. Parks said before heading to Tuesday's meeting. "It was an indiscretion on my part. I'm sorry it happened."