Court hears cases for youth pastor, others charged with sex crimes

JACKSON, Tenn. —  Wednesday marked a court date for a former youth pastor charged with sex crimes involving a minor.

Ryan McElrath

Ryan McElrath is charged with aggravated statutory rape, statutory rape and sexual battery. The charges stem from a May 31 incident where McElrath engaged in sexual contact with a 17-year-old at Fellowship Bible Church, according to a warrant.

Wednesday morning in Jackson City Court, McElrath’s case was reset to July 24 at 1:30 p.m.

In a separate case, Corderral Winkfield appeared in court on a charge of aggravated statutory rape.

Corderral Winkfield

A warrant reveals that around October 5, 2023, Winkfield allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a 16-year-old at Muse Park in Jackson.

Winkfield’s case was reset to July 31 at 9:30 a.m.

Additionally, a court date was also set Wednesday for Jason Robertson, charged with sexual battery by an authority figure.

Jason Robertson

According to a warrant, on May 30, Robertson allegedly had sexual contact with a 13-year-old at a property in the 2000 block of North Highland Avenue. The warrant states the victim’s mother advised investigators that the victim looked at Robertson as a father, and had previously lived with him.

Online records show that Robertson was booked into the Madison County jail earlier this month and later bonded out of custody.

Robertson’s court date was reset for July 29.

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