Radio Preacher Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges

Stair (Photo: Overcomer Ministry)

A controversial radio preacher has been arrested on sexual assault charges, prompting some stations across the country to drop the show.

The CHARLESTON POST AND COURIER reports that RALPH GORDON STAIR, a Pentecostal minister also known as "BROTHER STAIR," whose "OVERCOMER MINISTRY" radio program has been airing on 28 radio stations, online, and several shortwave stations, was arrested MONDAY (12/18) and charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, one count of kidnappings, one count of first-degree burglary, one count of second-degree assault and battery, and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor after several women made allegations against him for acts stretching back to 1992. 

STAIR, 84, who has been jailed without bail, broadcasts from a compound near WALTERBORO, SC, where his followers, who call themselves "the saints," live and work.  He previously pleaded guilty in 2004 to an assault and battery charge after being charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct.

The POST AND COURIER contacted some of STAIR's affiliates and found that the show had been immediately dropped from BROADCAST MANAGEMENT SERVICES Brokered Talk KCAA-A/SAN BERNARDINO, BEASLEY Religion WTMR-A/CAMDEN-PHILADELPHIA, and BEASLEY Religion WAEC-A (LOVE 860)/ATLANTA.  Some stations, however, had not yet heard of the charges when contacted by the paper.

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