Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility

Black Mountain pastor schemes to initiate relationship with teen, warrants say


File - Newly returned warrants allege Trent Holbert groomed a teenager by first befriending her parents who joined The Ridge Church in Black Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Detention Center)
File - Newly returned warrants allege Trent Holbert groomed a teenager by first befriending her parents who joined The Ridge Church in Black Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Detention Center)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

New details have emerged in the case of a Black Mountain pastor facing sex assault charges involving a 15-year-old girl.

Newly returned warrants allege Trent Holbert groomed the teen by first befriending her parents who joined The Ridge Church.

Investigators said, because the parents had limited means, Holbert offered their daughter a bedroom in his home and began buying her undergarments as the two started a relationship.

BLACK MOUNTAIN PASTOR MAKES FIRST COURT APPEARANCE ON CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSE CHARGES

Warrants also allege Holbert asked the teen's parents to sign a parental waiver so that he would be able to take care of her in case they died. Investigators said Holbert called DSS on the teen's parents as well, accusing them of neglect. Warrants show a DSS worker found this claim to be unsubstantial.

On May 18, 2021, detectives with the Special Victims Unit of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence on Tucker Road in Black Mountain. During the execution of the search warrant, Holbert was arrested. He resigned from the church in June.

BLACK MOUNTAIN PASTOR ACCUSED OF SEX OFFENSES RESIGNS

Holbert is on pre-trial release.

A trial date hasn't been set.

TRACK CRIME IN YOUR AREA WITH THE ALERTNEST CRIME MAP



Loading ...