KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Kalamazoo pastor and former president of the local chapter of the NAACP is now facing nearly a dozen felony charges.
On Friday, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Reverend Stricjavvar “Strick” Strickland of Kalamazoo’s Second Baptist Church.
Court records show he has been charged with 11 felony criminal sexual charges including four counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of child sexually abusive activity, and four counts of human trafficking of a minor.
Strickland and his wife were first accused of paying several teens for sex acts, but he denies the allegations.
Reports state that as of Monday Strickland has not turned himself in.
Strickland’s attorney Mike Hills spoke with WOOD-TV and said, “We are aware of the charges and are making arrangements to surrender Pastor Strickland as soon as possible.”
Additionally on Tuesday, WOOD-TV reported some of the allegations that have been made against Strickland.
Between 2015 and 2018, WOOD-TV reported that Strickland is alleged to have paid then-teenage boys to send him nude photos, as well as to engage in sexual activities with his wife. Some of the victims are alleged to have been met through his wife while she worked at Phoenix High School.
Another alleged victim said that Strickland had offered a car in exchange for letting him perform oral sex on the victim.
Furthermore, Strickland is also accused of similar activities while he lived in Mississippi with his former wife.
In total, four teenage boys are alleged to have been victims of Strickland’s actions. His current wife, Jazmonique Strickland, has not been charged with anything, but her lawyer told WOOD-TV that she is expected to face charges in the future.
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