North Carolina pastor, daughter and her boyfriend charged with assaulting disabled man

The trio is accused of assaulting a 22-year-old man, who has an unspecified disability

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A North Carolina pastor, his daughter and her boyfriend are each charged with assaulting a person with a disability and false imprisonment, according to local news.

Franklin County authorities charged Highest Praise Ministries Pastor Kenneth Jones, his daughter Rachel Jones and her boyfriend Imre Balazsi for allegedly assaulting and restraining a 22-year-old man in February, according to WRAL.

Authorities noted in court documents obtained by WRAL that the victim, whose last name is also Jones, has a disability but did not specify what kind of disability. 

Kenneth Jones allegedly hit the man, dragged him out of the house and restrained him for an hour in an incident that occurred on Feb. 26, court documents state. It was not immediately clear what the relationship is between the man and his accused attackers.

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Kenneth Jones preaching at High Praise Ministries

Highest Praise Ministries Pastor Kenneth Jones allegedly hit the man, dragged him out of the house and restrained him on Feb. 26, court documents state. (Facebook)

Rachel Jones is accused of hitting the man in the face with a belt, restraining him and holding clothing over his face, making it difficult for the 22-year-old to breathe, WRAL reported. 

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Her attorney told the outlet that the defendant denies all allegations and plans to plead not guilty.

High Praise Ministries exterior

Franklin County authorities charged Pastor Kenneth Jones, his daughter and her boyfriend for allegedly assaulting and restraining a 22-year-old man in February, according to WRAL. (Google Maps)

Kenneth Jones posted a video of his latest sermon to Highest Praise Ministries' Facebook page on Monday, though he did not mention anything about charges filed against him.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Highest Praise Ministries and Prosecutorial District 11 office for comment.

Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. Email tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on Twitter at @audpants.

Authored by Audrey Conklin via FoxNews March 5th 2024