OK Pastor Jailed In Philippines, Accused Of Child Molestation

An Oklahoma pastor is behind bars in the Philippines, accused of child molestation and a sex abuse cover up.

Friday, January 17th 2014, 5:50 pm

By: News 9


An Oklahoma pastor is behind bars in the Philippines, accused of child molestation and a sex abuse cover up.

Friends and family of Pastor Tom Randall are standing by his side as prosecutors consider filing charges. As of late Friday, more than 16,000 people from across the United States had joined a Facebook page calling for Randall's release. 

On that page, Randall's wife is giving a glimpse into her exhausting last few days writing, "Yesterday was a difficult day health wise and so they finally started him on a glucose drip …"

Facebook: "Free Tom Randall"

"He doesn't deserve it," friend Jim Woodward said. "No way, it's not fair."

Woodward is a professional PGA golfer, working at Oak Tree National in Edmond where Randall ministered to athletes. Randall recently accepted a job at a church in Ohio. Supporters in Oklahoma as well as the Buckeye State say molestation accusations must be bogus.

"He's probably down there in that prison right now still preaching, if I know him," said Woodward.

According to Woodward, Randall has ministered to children in the Philippines for years. He spends months at orphanages he sponsors and operates. The orphans are his victims, according to reports of a complaint filed with the Philippines Department of Justice.

The Filipino government is now determining whether or not it will proceed with prosecution. If convicted, Randall could be put to death.

"We know we've got a lot of people pulling a lot of strings right now," Woodward said. "So, I'm sure there's something politically going on to help old Tom."

The foreign government tells the pastor's wife a decision on prosecution may come next Wednesday. Due to the time difference between the Philippines and Oklahoma, News 9 was not able to reach government officials for comment before Friday's deadline.

Government offices in Manila reopen Monday morning.

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