1986 Interview: Survivor Chad Martin Describes Abuse by Jerry Sidell
A 1986 survivor interview documents Chad Martin’s account of the abuse he endured and his advocacy for other victims.
6 min read
Topic
Media Coverage
News coverage of Brookwood Church and Jerry Sidell from Fox Carolina, The Guardian, The Post and Courier, MinistryWatch, Baptist News Global and independent writers.
22 posts
1986 Parent-Safety Guidance Published Alongside Jerry Sidell Report
A companion 1986 newspaper article offers historical advice about parents’ involvement and communication; published alongside a report that named Jerry Sidell.
3 min read
1986 Newspaper Report on Child Safety Cites Jerry Sidell Conviction
An October 1986 article about child safety cites Jerry Sidell’s conviction among reported cases involving adults trusted with children.
7 min read
1985: Family of Jerry Sidell Victims Speaks Out and Helps Others
This October 1985 newspaper feature follows a family after Jerry Sidell’s conviction and their advocacy for other victims.
4 min read
1985: Jerry Sidell Civil Award Set Aside; New Trial Granted
In January 1985, a judge set aside a $500,000 civil award in the Jerry Sidell case due to a procedural error and granted a new trial.
3 min read
1984 Jury Initially Awards $500,000 in Jerry Sidell Case
A November 1984 jury initially awarded $500,000 in a civil case against Jerry Sidell; the award was later set aside in January 1985.
4 min read
1984 Court Testimony in the Jerry Sidell Child Molestation Case
Read 1984 reporting on testimony and closing arguments in a civil case involving Jerry Sidell, with the original newspaper clipping.
5 min read
1984: Civil Suit Against Jerry Sidell Begins in Georgia
An archival 1984 newspaper report describes the start of a civil case against Jerry Sidell following his child-molestation convictions.
3 min read
1984: Family Recounts Church Response After Jerry Sidell Abuse Case
An April 1984 feature reports the emotional toll on a family after Jerry Sidell’s conviction and contrasting accounts of how a Georgia church responded.
6 min read
1983: Parents of Jerry Sidell Victims Organize Support Group
December 1983 reporting describes how parents of boys abused by Jerry Sidell worked to organize support and advocate for protections for other children.
3 min read
December 1983: Jerry Sidell Sentenced to Concurrent 10-Year Prison Terms
A December 8, 1983 newspaper article documents concurrent prison sentences imposed on Jerry Sidell in Clayton and Carroll counties.
2 min read
September 1983: Jerry Sidell Pleads Guilty to Child Molestation Charges
On September 22, 1983, a newspaper reported that Jerry Sidell pleaded guilty to four child-molestation charges and one enticement charge.
2 min read
1983: Jerry Sidell Indicted on Child Molestation and Enticement Charges
A newspaper report dated August 27, 1983 documents a Clayton County grand jury indictment of Jerry Sidell on four child-molestation counts and one enticement count.
2 min read
1983: Families File $3 Million in Civil Suits Against Jerry Sidell
An August 1983 Atlanta newspaper article reports that three families sought $3 million in civil lawsuits against Jerry Sidell, then a former church youth minister.
3 min read
After SC megachurch kicks sex offender off worship team, church grapples with how to guard children
The man was convicted of sexually assaulting children as a youth minister in the 1980s. He joined the church in 1999. His removal has sparked a broader conversation about child safeguards.
News report
Parents Should Be Told
At Brookwood Church in South Carolina, leaders knowingly allowed a registered child sex offender to participate in ministry. As part of the church’s worship team, Jerry Sidell, the sex offender, even played…
5 min read
Upstate megachurch members demand answers about registered sex offender’s alleged role at church, separate music ministry
Members of Brookwood Church say they want answers about a registered sex offender’s alleged involvement with the church.
News report
Jerry Sidell Led The Table: Who Knew His History?
Brookwood Church says this policy has been in place “for years”: “…they would have to inform the ministry leader about their background and their story.” So let’s talk about The Table. Jerry…
3 min read
Registered sex offender was allowed to participate at South Carolina church for decades
The Brookwood Church in Simpsonville only just disqualified Jerry Sidell from serving there in any capacity
News report
Another SC church accused of not limiting known sex offender
A second Baptist church in South Carolina has made headlines recently for allowing a registered sex offender to participate in ministry.
News report
Another SC Church Removes Registered Sex Offender From Ministry Roles
Another SC church has removed a registered sex offender from all ministry roles after previously allowing him to participate under restrictions. The church says he followed those guidelines but will no longer…
News report