Pastor Charged Over Sewage Dispute

 

Protestors have spent two days outside of the health department. They are showing support for their pastor, Ira McCloud. A warrant was issued for his arrest by the state department of public health. It’s for operating a defective sewage system posing a health risk.

 

The Jesus Christ Church of God’s septic tank often leaks sewage onto the neighboring property. 

 

The state department of public health sent warning notices to the church starting in June. But the church said they needed more time for a contractor to develop a plan to fix the problem. A state spokesman says issuing an arrest warrant is their last resort. 

 

Ira J. McCloud, Bishop Board Church of God the Bible Way, Inc. Said, “I tried to do this as quick as I could. Until I finally got someone to help….They arrest me after I find someone to do the job….I am holding a sign with a number. I never did that in my life. I am 58 years old I am holding a sign with a number and my name on it. And someone can google and look at that sign and say that pastor got arrested”

 

This church is part of an incorporation that operates more than 100 churches in the southeast. McCloud is not the property owner, but on a board of directors. That’s another reason why he feels these charges are not just. 

 

The state says they worked with the local DA office to see who needed to be charged. 

 

Alabama News Network did try to verify that a contractor is working to redesign the sewage system, but have not heard back.