Jury Selection Begins for Former Abilene Youth Pastor

ABILENE, TX – The sexual assault trial against former Abilene youth pastor Jeffrey Forrest is set to begin this month.

On Monday, Forrest is expected to appear in court for jury selection.

According to court documents, back in the '90s, Forrest was employed at a daycare at the Pioneer Drive Baptist. He also served as a youth minister at multiple churches in the city. According to investigators, Forrest used his position at the church to groom his victims.

Six years ago, four boys accused Forrest of sexual assault. By 2016, Forrest had failed to appear in court and investigators believed he fled to Mexico.

After several years Forrest was featured on “In Pursuit with John Walsh.” 

A fan of the show in Zapopan, Mexico recognized Forrest's ankle tattoo at a local Walmart and called authorities.

Forrest was extradited to Abilene where he has remained at the Taylor County Jail on a $3 million bond.