Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc

Today Rev. Coy Privette, 74, former president of the Christian Action League of North Carolina, plead guilty to six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution. Privette made his plea in a Rowan County Courtroom as part of an arrangement with the prosecution. In a deal that is granted to first time offenders, Privette's criminal record will be expunged if he completes 48 hours of community service and serves one year of probation. He must pay court costs and undergo a psychological evaluation.

Privette had been charged with renting a hotel room and paying a Salisbury woman, Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, for sexual acts from May 4 through June 25.

On the day that Privette was arrested on the prostitution-related charges (July 19), the Christian Action League suspended him, pending the outcome of his case in court. Privette resigned by email the next day, stating:

"Because of the nature of the allegations, I believe it is in the best interest for me to resign so that the charges will not distract from the important work of the Christian Action League."

According to WCNC News in Charlotte, on the way out of the courtroom, the ex-legislator and current Cabarrus county commissioner handed the following statement to reporters:

"First I want to thank my family and friends for their love and support over the past month. I know that I have hurt and disappointed a lot of people and I am truly sorry. It is my hope that people can find it in their hearts to forgive me. I am going to be dedicating considerable time and effort to repair myself. I'm already seeking professional attention to this end. As I undergo much needed personal and spiritual reflection, I sincerely ask everyone to keep me in their thoughts and prayers in my journey to earn back the trust that I have lost."

- Coy Privette

Rev. Mark Creech, Executive Director of the Christian Action League said that Privette's moral failure was probably the saddest chapter in the history of the League. Creech said that what Privette did was not only a betrayal of the public trust, but also of the great Christian principles for which Privette stood. "Nevertheless, the heart of the gospel message is redemption," said Creech. "God can take the worst of circumstances and turn them into something good. Simon denied Christ three times at the most critical juncture. Yet God used his denials and his subsequent tears of remorse to make his character into that of Peter, the rock," he added.

Creech said that according to his statement to reporters, Privette seems to have taken the first critical step of repentance. "He appears to be acknowledging his sin and desirous to make amends where possible. I urge everyone to earnestly pray for our brother's restoration, emotionally and spiritually. Moreover, where there may be anger or bitterness concerning his actions, I urge forgiveness be granted. This is the way of the Cross," he said.

Tiffany Denise Summers, the prostitute, entered a guilty plea to one count of prostitution and the prosecution dropped the other five counts.

Creech added it was just as important that prayers be offered for Summers as well as Privette.

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