Embattled New World Believers’ former leader, Rodney Jones, appealed to the Escambia Children’s Trust this week to recoup what he says is money that is owed to the organization.
ECT terminated its contract with the New World Believers’ H.O.O.P.S. program and funding was suspended on Jan. 8 after the Children’s Trust was notified that Jones, at that time the organization’s executive director, was under investigation by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. He also was suspended by NWB because of the pending DJJ investigation.
On Jan. 22, Jones was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a minor. The victim was a member of his youth organization. Jones is currently out on bond pending legal proceedings…