Trial has been delayed for a Texarkana pastor accused of sexual misconduct with two girls he once ministered.
David Wayne Farren, 42, appeared with Texarkana lawyer Jason Horton for a pretrial hearing before Circuit Judge Carlton Jones earlier this week. Horton asked for a continuance in Farren's trial setting, July 24, which Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell did not oppose. Jones agreed and reset jury selection in Farren's case for late October.
Farren is accused of having sex with a minor over whom he was in a position of trust or authority in seven counts of first-degree sexual assault that allegedly occurred from April 2013 to August 2013. Count eight accuses Farren of having sexual contact, second-degree sexual assault, with the same girl from April 2012 to August 2013.
Count nine alleges Farren had sexual contact, second-degree sexual assault, with a second alleged victim in 2007. Count 10 alleges Farren had knowledge of "child maltreatment" in 2012 and failed to report the abuse to officials as members of the clergy, teachers, medical personnel and law enforcement are required to do by law.
Farren was serving as lead pastor of Anchor Church in Texarkana at the time of his first arrest. At a hearing Aug. 4, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell said Farren has worked as pastor and youth director at other area churches, including Heritage Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church and Faith Church.
Each of the seven counts of first-degree sexual assault is punishable by six to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000, if convicted. Each of the two counts of second-degree sexual assault is punishable by five to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000, if convicted. The misdemeanor charge of violating mandatory reporting requirements is punishable by up to a year in the county jail and a fine up to $2,500, if convicted.
Farren is currently free on bond.