Man Is Former Pastor Of New Life Christian Center

Another pastor was convicted of improper relationships with a young girl – this time in North Carolina.

Keith Devon Pitts, former pastor of New Life Christian Center, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. Pitts was sentenced to between 20 and 24½ years in prison. His nine counts include sex offense of a child and taking indecent liberties with a child.

Pettis was arrested in August 2009 on charges that he sexually abused a 12-year-old girl in his home in August 2006 by performing a sex act on her. He allegedly sexually abused her again on Sept. 1, 2008, and Sept. 20, 2008, then forced her to perform a sex act on him in February and March of 2009.

What safeguards need to be put in place to protect children from clergy who are potential predators?