Testimony is offered in trial of former church rector
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Jim Wooldridge

His attorneys were hoping for probation, but Jim Carlton Wooldridge instead was sentenced to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division after a nearly four-hour hearing in Judge Joe Carroll's 27th District courtroom last week. He also was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Wooldridge, 62, who had been rector at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lampasas for 13 years, was arrested in January 2007 and charged with sexual assault and indecency with a child by sexual contact -- both second-degree felonies.

He had been placed on administrative leave after the allegations arose, and subsequently renounced his holy orders and resigned the post at St. Mary's in March.

Through a plea agreement with the office of Lampasas County Attorney Larry Allison and his lead counsel Eddie Shell of Marble Falls, Wooldridge shaved time from what could have been a much more lengthy sentence and a heftier fine -- up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $20,000.

He also was represented by cocounsel Richard Hammett of Lampasas.

Wooldridge, who pleaded guilty to both charges and gave a confession, asked the judge to pass sentence. He also waived his right to an appeal as part of the agreement, and Carroll considered one punishment for both cases.

Arrested at the same time as Wooldridge was John Christian "J.C." Wood, 20, of Lampasas. He was charged with sexual assault, indecency with a child and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Wood has since been sentenced to four years in the TDCJ.

Lampasas Police Department Lt. Investigator Jody Cummings, the lead investigator on the case, said the allegations surfaced when local counselor James Banks went to the police station Dec. 1, 2006, with a boy who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Wooldridge and Wood.

Cummings took the youth's written statement, in which the boy said he was acquainted with Wooldridge due to his family's attendance at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and he also was a member of the Boy Scout troop for which Wooldridge had served as assistant Scoutmaster.

"The victim described eight separate instances" of abuse, said Cummings.

The teen, who was 15 at the time of the complaint, also told officials Wooldridge had given him a $100 check and a package of cigarettes, and that Wooldridge said they were "early birthday presents."

Cummings said after subpoenas were issued on the bank accounts of both the youth and the former rector, he found several checks that had been written to other youths. The investigator took statements from two others about such funds.

Wooldridge's defense attorney said the youths claimed no sexual improprieties were connected to the funds given them.

In her statement, the mother of one of the victims said she noted drastic changes in her son's conduct prior to his statement to police. "He was an all-A student, on the honor roll and was very obedient. All of a sudden, over the summer, he started to act out a lot. He didn't want to go to church anymore, he was disrespectful, and he said he hated God," she said.

She testified Wooldridge had telephoned her numerous times to inquire "what was wrong" with the youth, why he wouldn't respond to or return the rector's phone calls, and why he "all of a sudden hated Father Jim."

She said her son has undergone counseling in Austin, paid for through the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. "I think he still has a lot of issues that are not resolved," she added.

The victim's mother said since she and her son have moved out of state, the teen is completing high school, holds a full-time job and is planning to enter the military.

The youth also testified about the statements he made to police in December 2006 that comprised the history of his contact with Wooldridge.

Next, Wood was returned to Lampasas from state jail to testify about written statements he provided to law officials. He said he resided on the church property for three years prior to his arrest.

In his statement, Wood said Wooldridge gave him a car and had purchased other items for him. "I felt like it was a trade," he said.

Another Lampasas man, who has been acquainted with Wooldridge since January 1996, offered police a statement on Dec. 27, 2006, about his association with the former rector.

"I met him through Boy Scout meetings at the church," he said. The young man testified he was never pressured to offer sexual favors to Wooldridge, though he did say he received four checks totaling $1,000. "He always wanted to help everyone," he said of the former pastor.

The witness also said some statements he gave in his December account "were made under pressure" and that a lot of statements made by Wooldridge to him were taken by the youth as "a joke."

"He [Wooldridge] helped a lot of people out, and he had lots of community involvement."

Ann Wood, mother of J.C. Wood, said Wooldridge suggested her son, who had been arrested several times previously, move in with the rector in lieu of entering a Texas Youth Commission facility. "I thought Jim did that to keep J.C. out of TYC. I didn't know what was really going on until my son's arrest. I thought Jim was a saint. We all did."

Testifying on behalf of Wooldridge, local business owner Monty Monroe said he became acquainted with the defendant through church functions and from the former rector's patronage of Monroe's downtown coffee bar.

"He has been a friend for 11 years, and I have seen him be generous and giving, and always put himself second and everyone else's needs first," said Monroe.

"He said he couldn't speak about what was alleged to have happened, but no one could beat him up any better than himself. He has shown incredible remorse."

Also testifying to Wooldridge's ability to fulfill parole obligations was J.R. McBryde, a parishioner at St. Mary's Episcopal Church and an employer of Wooldridge after the former church official's arrest.

"As a priest, he was a breath of fresh air for me," McBryde said. "I think he can re-enter society and be a good employee."

Lampasan Cheri Dugger, who has known Wooldridge since the early 1990s, also is a member of the Episcopal church. "He has lots of support in the community, and lots of friends here who love him and respect him," she said.

Wooldridge has been living with the Dugger family since October, and Mrs. Dugger said he assisted in caring for her critically ill mother until her death in December.

"If the court considers probation, he is welcome to stay in our home any time," said Mrs. Dugger. "I believe Jim is a good man, and I don't think he will be a threat to anyone. I have seen him as a changed man. He is so remorseful and has accepted full responsibility and feels terrible about how this has affected everyone. He feels he let everyone down."

Dr. George Parker, an Austinbased psychologist and licensed sex offender treatment provider, administered a series of tests to Wooldridge to prepare an evaluation for the court's consideration.

Parker said he met twice with Wooldridge after his arrest and talked to the former pastor several times via phone. The psychologist testified he spent 10 to 12 hours with Wooldridge.

"I was looking for any indication that he is a dangerous person in his community and whether kids are at risk, and is he likely to respond well to a sex offender treatment program and abide by probationary conditions imposed by the court."

Parker said his professional opinion is that Wooldridge is a "low risk for another sexual or any other type of offense and would abide by his probation. He is an excellent candidate for successful outpatient treatment in a sex offender program."

Wooldridge is remorseful, and he doesn't lie or blame others, he added. "He fully accepts responsibility." The psychologist also said Wooldridge has "significant psychiatric problems that require help from competent medical personnel."

"None of us have a crystal ball, and we can't predict what will happen, but using the best tools available, I believe the risk is very low for a sexual or other type offense," Parker concluded.

Wooldridge took the stand on his behalf and noted he had been in the ministry for almost three decades. His congregation varied from 250 to 320, and his duties included conducting church services, visiting the sick and other parishioners, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and offering community assistance.

When asked to describe his actions, Wooldridge said: "The word `sorry' doesn't begin to cover it. I am deeply remorseful. My actions have hurt [the youths], their families, my own family, my church and my community.

"It is difficult to look at people and know what pain my actions have caused them," he said.

If granted probation, Wooldridge said he would report to the community supervision officer, attend classes for sexual offenders or other classes as ordered, and be willing to satisfy his financial obligations and community service orders.

"I have helped many adults and juveniles in their community service, and I'd be willing to do anything the court orders me to do. I know not to be in contact with any underage persons through schools, youth groups or places they tend to congregate."

Wooldridge also said he understands that being a registered sex offender is a lifelong situation.

When allegations of sexual improprieties came out, Wooldridge said he resigned from the church and took early retirement, which he said pays $2,400 each month for the remainder of his life. He also anticipates receiving about $1,200 per month in Social Security.

Wooldridge said he would pay for victims' counseling needs. "Because of my actions, I owe them and their families as much help as I can possibly give them."

The former rector said if granted probation, he would continue to live with the Duggers while seeking to find either employment or a volunteer post. "I would like to explore hospice work. I have experience with that."

Asked if he is a threat to repeat the offenses, Wooldridge said: "I am so horrified by these actions that I would never put myself in a position to be around kids again."

He also said he would attend counseling as recommended. "There are some sex offender treatment programs, and I would continue to consult with a psychiatrist for treatment of anxiety and depression."

Shell asked Wooldridge what was going on in his life when he committed the offenses.

"There are no excuses. My mother, who lived with me for 15 years, had Alzheimer's, and I was responsible for her care until she died in December 2005. I tried to work and keep up with my other obligations. I remember being so very tired and wanting to help my mother as much as I could and to make things better for her."

The attorney asked Wooldridge what he wanted to say to the two boys who testified against him.

"I would look them straight in the eye and say, `I'm so sorry for you and your family, and I hope in time -- you may not come to forget this -- but in time you can forgive me. In my daily prayers -- four times a day -- I always mention [both youths] and your families,'" he said.

"I betrayed your trust, and I let you down, and God knows I am sorry."

The county attorney asked Wooldridge if he had read the statements the boys made to officials. "Yes, I read over them," said the defendant. "Mr. Allison, I take full responsibility."

Allison then asked Wooldridge if gifts of cars, cigarettes and money were meant to keep the youths around for sexual favors.

Said Wooldridge: "That was not my intent, but I can certainly see how people would think that."

Wooldridge ended by saying he understands why neither youth wants the former rector to be granted probation.

In closing statements, Allison urged the judge to impose a jail sentence for Wooldridge. "When someone like him occupies a place of trust in the community, really putting himself above ordinary men, and when people put that trust in him I think that he should occupy that same role."

Punishment should be assessed for someone who conducts himself as Wooldridge has over a period of years, stopping only when "someone decided to report it," Allison added. "As much as I like to think Jim is sorry, I take issue with that fact. He's sorry he got caught. Was his life really wrapped up in his sexual behavior and was the rest a facade?"

Wooldridge betrayed the trust -- "a very high trust," Allison said -- placed on him by members of the community. "He may be a good man, but he's a good man who did something bad, and it makes me suspicious of everything else he did. Was he really good or was it a cover-up to continue his life in darkness? I want him to serve time."

Wooldridge's lead counsel said he couldn't disagree with much in Allison's closing statement. "But there is no evidence of any other offenses or that he was involved in any others," said Shell. "He does not have a history of violence, and there was no force in this regard.

"What was his community involvement? Is there a community outpouring that prison is the only possibility for him? No. The community supports Mr. Wooldridge," said Shell. "I know we can't condone this, but if probation is considered, the fact is that many people in this community will continue to support him."

Added the defense attorney: "Is remorse important? Everyone says this gentleman expressed remorse. It's not against the law to have these urges. It's only against the law to act on them, and he acted on them at a time when he was going through some traumatic times in his life."

Shell said that Wooldridge, as a registered sex offender, would be "branded" for the rest of his life. "That's his station in life. A branded sex offender. He will be under the microscope of society until the day he dies."

The lawyer said he believes the victims are "doing OK." They have had some counseling, he said, and since they are functioning well, that should be considered as a plus in the request for probation.

"Is Mr. Wooldridge rehabilitated?" asked Shell. "He has no priors, no arrests, and he would be a model probationer. He would do every single thing the court ordered. There is no evidence of any possibility or even a hint that he would re-offend."

Speaking to Carroll, Shell said: "Judge, if there's ever a case for probation, this would be it."

The judge, after considering both sides and reading through a stack of documents, said he faced a "terribly hard decision. But there's not anyone else I can ask to make this for me."

At 5:05 p.m., Carroll announced his verdict, and shortly thereafter Wooldridge was taken by Sheriff's Department officials to the county jail to await his transfer to prison.

After the verdict, Wooldridge's defense attorney said he believes the judge was fair.

"And Jim is satisfied. He accepted responsibility for his actions and has lived an exemplary life up to that point."

Allison said jail time was warranted because of the position of trust Wooldridge held.

"This tells the community that no one is immune from responsibility for their conduct, and when it comes to predatory conduct, no one is immune.

"The offenses speak to themselves. There is a time and a place for probation, but this was not it. Not for offenses of this nature."