Ex-Lubbock youth pastor accused of child sex abuse indicted on several charges

LUBBOCK, Texas — A former Lubbock youth pastor accused of child sex abuse crimes, Luke Cunningham, 41, was indicted on Tuesday. He was indicted for two counts Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Online Solicitation of a Minor under 14 and one count of Indecency with a Child.

Cunningham had a court appearance to ask for a lower bond on Monday. The judge will make a ruling regarding Cunningham’s bond at a later date.

Cunningham, who was a youth pastor at Turning Point in Lubbock from 2016 to 2020, most recently worked at Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury. Cunningham was arrested on June 19 in the 1400 block of 15th Street in Shallowater. He was taken to the Lubbock County Detention Center where he was held on a combined $500,000 bond.

Court documents obtained by EverythingLubbock.com stated Cunningham was accused of sexually assaulting a child younger than 17 years old back in January of 2016. Court records said it happened again in early January of 2017 and in October of 2018. Court records indicated there was more than one victim. In one instance, court documents said Cunningham was accused of using his hands as a “deadly weapon” during the assault.

The first allegations were reported in 2021 and were brought to the District Attorney’s office in 2022.

A detective who testified during the hearing on Monday said Cunningham was involved with two churches in Lubbock. Cunningham has allegations dating back to 2013, the detective said. The detective also said Cunningham had admitted to a level of abuse of one of the victims.

Officials with the District Attorney’s office said the probable cause affidavit included the police report, and the record could not be provided since the victim is a juvenile.

Turning Point previously sent a message to church members stating, “All allegations that are surfacing have been brought to our attention after [Cunningham’s] employment, not during or before.”

The church said it was “devastated” by the allegations and feels “enormous grief for anyone who is a potential victim.” The letter asked anyone who might be a victim or have information about the investigation to contact police.

Turning Point provided a list of resources alone with a statement on Tuesday.

First and foremost, we want to express our unwavering support for the victims. We stand with those who have been affected and affirm our commitment to justice. We understand this case has profoundly impacted many within our faith family and the community. We want to acknowledge the pain, confusion, and hurt that has been caused.

We recognize this news may trigger a wide range of emotions, including anger, sadness, and betrayal. It is natural to feel this way, and we want to assure you it is okay to grieve, to question, and to seek support. Your feelings are valid.

To that end, we have compiled a list of resources that are available to everyone. Please see the attached information.

We continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation and are committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of this situation. We are thankful to the Lubbock Police Department for their thorough investigation. We encourage anyone with information to contact the LPD directly

Statement from Turning Point Community Church

The following is a list of resources provided by Turning Point:

Counseling and Emotional Support

• In-House Pastoral Counseling: We are blessed to have Pastor Rusty Seick, a certified life coach with a Doctorate, who has been in ministry for many years. He is available to provide guidance and support to any church members who wish to speak with him during this difficult time.
• Local Counseling Services: Lubbock has a large community of mental health counselors and therapists specializing in trauma and grief. We have provided an attachment of local providers (see below).
• National Hotlines: The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7 for immediate support. Support Groups
• Survivor Support Groups: For those seeking support outside the church, organizations like RAINN offer support groups and resources for survivors of sexual assault: 1-800-656-4673
  

Legal and Advocacy Resources

• Local Victim Assistance: Voice of Hope is a Lubbock based nonprofit that offers help to all persons impacted by sexual violence. They provide free crisis assistance and advocacy: 806 763-3232
• Local Victim Assistance and Advocacy: The Children’s Advocacy Center of the South Plains provides multidisciplinary resources: investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse. Their work is designed to lessen further trauma to the child victim and their families: 806-740-0251
• Victim Advocacy: The National Center for Victims of Crime provides information and assistance for victims of all types of crime: www.victimsofcrime.org
• Legal Assistance: Legal Aid Society of Lubbock works to provide low income clients with legal assistance and counsel: 806-762-2325
  

Educational Resources

• Information on Sexual Assault: We encourage you to visit RAINN and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center for educational materials and resources on healing and recovery: www.nsvrc.org
• Local Informational Resources: Women’s Protective Services is a Lubbock based nonprofit that works to combat domestic violence abuse, including (but not limited to) sexual abuse: www.wpslubbock.org
• Local Education: Family Guidance and Outreach is a nonprofit based in Lubbock that works to prevent abuse, including (but not limited to) sexual abuse, through education and awareness. They provide free education: www.lubbockfamily.org
  

Reporting and Safe Spaces

• Anonymous Reporting: The city of Lubbock utilizes the Crime Line of Lubbock to make it more convenient for citizens to submit a crime tips: www.cityprotect.com
• Safe Spaces for Disclosure: Anyone who needs to speak with a trained professional or trusted individual, please contact the local 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline: (806) 763-RAPE (7273)
• Local Law Enforcement:
  o Lubbock Police Dept. Dispatch: (806) 775-1400
  o Lubbock Police Dept. Investigations: (806) 775-2410
  o Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch: 806-775-1441
  o Lubbock County Sheriff’s Investigations: (806) 775-1494
• 
  Lubbock-area Sexual Abuse Therapists:
  o Hannah K. Alexander, LPCA: 512-856-9253
  o Katie Nunez, LPC: 806-557-1616
  o Sarah Torres, LPC-S: 806-698-1114
  o Heather Austin-Robillard, LMFTS: 214-743-4122
  o Felicia Powell: 806-542-2605
  o Cristy Martinez, LPC: 806-203-6091
  o Emily Hamilton, LMFT: 806-705-8833
  o Cameron C. Brown, LMFT-S: 806-602-2107
  o Jodie L. Martin, LPC: 806-853-8824
  o Maddie Johnson, LPC: 806-304-5741
  o McKaley Jackson, LPC: 806-256-8472
  o Tammie Nichols, LPC: 806-310-5397

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