Jordan Vernon & Luke Denman: A Pervert and a Goon, Allegedly
Jordan Vernon of Post Falls, Idaho seems to be a real piece of work. He really likes the girls –the little girls, that is. This perverted predator has quite a history of deviancy. Vernon used the church to access his victims. He has done so since at least December of 2007. What better way to gain access to the object of his forbidden affections than in the role of their leader? Even though Vernon was investigated for his predatory behavior, his association with the church continued. Unfortunately, so did his aberrant advances on little girls.
Not to jump away from the subject very much, but did you ever notice how once these guys are arrested they're referred to as "former youth leaders" or "former youth ministers?" Of course, they're former now. But they were quite active in their duties when the crime was committed. The two, the predator and his role as a leader, go hand-in-hand.
Vernon's approach was to "groom" the young girls that he comes into contact at church. Over two years ago, in December 2007, Vernon was investigated for inappropriately touching a 12-year-old girl during church services (he was caught rubbing her leg). Vernon tried to get the girl to sneak out of the house to be with him. He was charged with a misdemeanor in that case. It was later dismissed. Sometimes that happens. Of course, it doesn't mean Vernon was guilty of a crime –but, it doesn't mean he's innocent. It simply means that the court didn't get a chance to found out the truth of the matter.
Vernon also sent unseemly text messages to a 14-year-old church member. A church youth pastor contacted authorities about inappropriate conduct on the part of Vernon back in September of 2009. Vernon allegedly had sex with a 14-year-old church member in December 2007. At the time, Vernon was a student leader in training at the church, Real Life Ministries of Post Falls. Vernon would give the girl rides to church and he would have sex with the girl in his car. Vernon even took photographs of the girl performing oral sex on him. He then posted those photos on MySpace under an alternative identity.
Police know of other victims of Vernon and police fear there may even be more that don't know about. "His behavior is what I would call predatory in nature," says Post Falls police detective Sgt. Dave Beck.
Jordan Clint Vernon was arrested on December 28, 2009 on charges of sexual battery of a minor child under the age of 16, lewd conduct with a minor child under the age of 16, and statutory rape for having sexual intercourse with a child under 18. There were other charges, as well. Jordan Vernon posted $25,000 bond after being booked into the Kootenai County Jail. Oh, and Vernon has finally been relieved of his duties from Real Life Ministries.
But wait! The story doesn't end here. While Vernon may be a pervert, his family still loves him. Luke Denman, Vernon's half-brother, decided that Vernon needed someone on his side. When Denman found out Bubba was going to jail, he went up to the church and threatened a member. Luke Edward Denman was arrested for witness intimidation. Like his brother, he has been released on bond.
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Where is the shame? Members of this thing's family claim him? There is no self esteem or shame in today's society.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:07 PMRLM staff or membership is not in the habit of giving predators a pass or jeopardizing the safety of our Children.
Volunteers at Real Life turned this fellow in.
He was a co-facilitator volunteer for a boys group in 2007-
In July 2008 the staff at the church found out he had been texting an underaged girl and immediately removed him from all volunteer positions at the church ( On July 29th, 2008)
The last time he filled out an attendance card for coming to service was November 30th, 2008.
In April of 2009, Volunteers in the Youth ministry and the security team at the church learned of a website that indicated inappropriate conduct before this fellow and a young girl- they investigated, confirmed it was him, and took the evidence to Post FAlls PD.
After a lengthy investigation by the police he was charged and arrested.
No alleged attacks occurred on Church property. All youth staff members and volunteers undergo background checks of their Adult records, and nothing in his history would have precluded him serving.
any further information can be found at: http://www.reallifeministries.com/new_web_site
January 7th, 2010 at 6:47 AMThank you for your reply. I understand your point of view: I appreciate the cooperation of the church with law enforcement and their not allowing the issue to remain a “private matter.” The problem that I have is that Vernon was investigated in December of 2007, yet church officials did not see to it that children were protected from him at the church –thus allowing him (regardless of his position) to continue his predatory behavior on their premises and among their congregation. While the actual attacks may not have occurred on church property, Vernon's grooming behavior obviously did. A background check was hardly necessary once the very first unsavory incident was revealed. I appreciate that the church reported the incidents and are cooperating with authorities. That is commendable, as many churches do not. However, I hope you can understand that further preventive action is necessary, especially in a place where such a sense of security is felt among the congregation.
For example, let's say the incident occurred at a private residence. The household could call police and provide evidence and cooperation to law enforcement. But, how responsible would they be if they continued to allow the perpetrator access to their home? The situation can perhaps be even more dangerous within a larger setting where others may not realize the threat that lurks among them. That is why I am calling on all churches and other organizations to take a proactive stance against these types of predators. The shepherds must protect their flock from the wolves.
January 7th, 2010 at 6:33 PM