ODESSA, Texas — A former Odessa pastor is behind bars after being arrested for sexual assault FV, a 2nd degree felony, by the Odessa Police Department.
Aaron Duane Shipman, former pastor at Bible Baptist Church, is being held in the Ector County Detention Center on a $60,000 surety bond, according to jail records.
An arrest affidavit revealed that on Jan. 17, 2022, an 18-year-old woman reported to OPD that Shipman had sexually abused her several times over the past two years. The abuse included sexual intercourse on three occasions.
An exam was administered on the victim by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, which indicated she had sustained sexual trauma.
The church said that Shipman has been fired from his position and banned from their property.
Read below for the full statement the church sent to NewsWest 9:
"As a ministry, we are deeply saddened and hurt to hear of the allegations brought against Aaron Shipman. Due to the nature of the allegations, we have terminated the position of Mr. Shipman at Bible Baptist Church effective immediately. He is banned indefinitely from the property and campuses of our church. We are, and will continue to be in full cooperation with the authorities and any state officials. We are asking our staff and members not to discuss this matter further while it is pending before the courts."
This is all the information we currently have on the situation. We will update this story as we learn more.