By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has stated that he anticipates more victims will come forward in the case against Joe Campbell, whose alleged crimes are described as “horrific.” Campbell was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force. The investigation was initiated after an NBC News report detailed allegations of abuse spanning Campbell’s ministry career, where he cultivated trust with children before exploiting them. Despite earlier reports and accusations, Campbell was allowed to continue his ministry, and legal proceedings were dropped after initial charges.
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Longtime children’s pastor Joe Campbell arrested on child sex abuse charges, this is unfortunately not a headline that surprises anyone anymore. When you hear “children’s pastor,” the feeling is often one of a sinking heart, a premonition of the familiar story unfolding. In this case, Joe Campbell, a Pentecostal preacher who dedicated half a century to ministering to children across four states, has been arrested on serious charges: child sex abuse. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arrest, and the details are as disturbing as they are depressingly familiar.
Joe Campbell, specifically, is facing charges of first-degree rape and lewd or indecent acts against a child under 16. The charges stem from allegations of abuse dating back decades, a pattern that, sadly, is too common in these types of cases. He was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Elkland, Missouri, and is currently awaiting transfer to Oklahoma from the Greene County jail in Springfield. If convicted, the possibility of life in prison hangs over him.
The arrest of Joe Campbell represents a long-awaited turning point for some of his alleged victims. For 40 years, some of them have been fighting for justice. The charges themselves came just seven months after an NBC News investigation that exposed a disturbing pattern of allegations against Campbell, accompanied by repeated failures from various institutions: pastors, police, and prosecutors to intervene. It really makes you wonder how these situations are allowed to fester for so long.
The details uncovered by the NBC News investigation are harrowing. Five women have come forward to say that Campbell sexually abused them in the 1970s and 80s when he was associated with the Assemblies of God ministry. Additionally, nine others, including four men, have reported instances of pornography, inappropriate comments, or inappropriate touching during the same time period. It paints a picture of a man who exploited his position and authority to inflict lasting damage on vulnerable individuals.
The rape charge appears connected to the alleged abuse of Kerri Jackson, who claims Campbell molested her for years in Tulsa, beginning when she was around nine years old. This is a particularly devastating detail that underscores the long-term impact of this type of abuse. The Attorney General’s Office presented the case to a multicounty grand jury in Oklahoma City, and the resulting indictment represents a significant milestone for Jackson and the other women who have been fighting for justice for so long.
It’s natural to feel anger when these stories surface, and a sense of betrayal that’s deeply rooted. There’s a call for accountability, and that’s absolutely justified. The comments express a frustration with the repeated failures of various institutions to protect children and hold abusers accountable. The repeated failures of those in positions of power, like other pastors, police and prosecutors, is shocking. It creates an atmosphere where predators can continue their harmful behaviors.
It is worth noting the consistent emphasis in the comments about who these abusers *aren’t*. Repeatedly, there’s a point made that it’s “not a drag queen” or “not trans.” It’s clear that there are very strong opinions about certain groups being unfairly targeted in conversations about child abuse. Whatever your own views, the comments provide a clear indication of a need for the correct lens on who is committing these atrocities.
There’s also a sense that the focus in these cases is not always what it should be. The investigation into these cases can often feel very selective and, as a result, very political. It is frustrating to witness the way in which some leaders seem more invested in protecting their own than in genuinely seeking justice for the victims. There needs to be a much more rigorous process.
Furthermore, it becomes clear that the churches and religious leaders who choose to cover up these crimes also need to be held accountable. The pattern that’s being described is that religious institutions often fail to implement the robust screening procedures necessary to protect children. This is a vital and, sadly, overlooked step that needs greater attention.
Finally, the comments clearly show a deep-seated distrust of the institutions that are supposed to protect children. The story of Joe Campbell is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sex abuse and the urgent need for justice. The victims, who have bravely come forward after years of silence, deserve it. It is also a reminder that real change requires not just arrests, but a comprehensive effort to reform the systems that have failed to protect the children in their care.