Longtime Pontiac pastor Douglas P. Jones is scheduled to appear in court again next week following a ruling that his sexual misconduct case can proceed to a higher court.

Jones, 82, was charged earlier this year with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and will be arraigned on May 29, 2025, after a judge ruled there was enough evidence to move forward in the case involving an alleged incident from August 2024, the Christian Post reported.

The senior pastor of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan, Jones has led the prominent congregation of more than 4,000 members since 1989. Known for his community involvement, Jones is now facing serious legal allegations that could lead to prison time if convicted.

Details Emerge from Court Proceedings

Jones was officially arraigned on March 20, 2025, when he entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Under Michigan law, this charge involves unwanted sexual contact that does not include penetration and carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.

On the same day he was arraigned, Jones posted a $10,000 bond and was released pending further legal proceedings. The charge stems from a reported incident that took place in August 2024, though details have not yet been made public.

During a preliminary examination, Judge Laura Polizzi reviewed evidence in the case and determined there was sufficient basis to bind the matter over to Oakland County Circuit Court. The next step in the process will take place on May 29, when Jones will be arraigned before Judge Mary Ellen Brennan.

Community Divided as Trial Nears

The Welcome Missionary Baptist Church has not released any public statement addressing the allegations or the upcoming court date. Family members of the alleged victim reportedly still attend the church, adding particular sensitivity to the situation within the congregation.

Jones’s attorney, Cyril Hill, has maintained his client’s innocence and expressed confidence that the charge will ultimately be dismissed. Hill has called the allegation unfounded and emphasized that Jones intends to vigorously defend himself in court.

Despite the legal challenges ahead, the church has scheduled a celebration in Jones’s honor for Sunday, June 8, 2025, recognizing his 36 years of service. The event is planned to run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and promotional material for the event includes a biblical message emphasizing honor for longstanding spiritual leaders.

Long History of Service and Loss

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones has deep roots in church leadership and public service. Over the decades, he has served on a variety of community boards and received recognition for his work with local youth throughout Pontiac.

The Oakland Community Health Network has previously described Jones as a foundational figure in the area’s civic and faith communities. His decades of pastoral leadership have spanned generations within the Welcome Missionary Baptist Church.

Fellow clergy have spoken publicly about the toll leadership can take on people in Jones’s position. Pastor Keyon Payton recently commented on Jones’s hardships, highlighting the emotional strain caused by the deaths of both his wife and one of his daughters in recent years.

Reflections on Leadership and Pressure

“Beyond his decades of ministry, Pastor Jones has endured profound personal loss,” Payton said. “The passing of his wife of many years, followed by the tragic death of his daughter, has compounded his grief in ways that few can understand.”

Payton emphasized the emotional and psychological burdens that can come with faith leadership, saying Jones likely felt pressure to continue his role despite intense personal grief. “The psychological toll of such grief and stress is immeasurable,” he added, “and for many, it leads to unprocessed pain that manifests in ways they never intended.”

In his statement, Payton also pointed to the generational sacrifices made by ministers like Jones. “His generation of pastors gave of themselves in ways that few outside of ministry can fully comprehend — often at great personal cost to their health, their families, and their emotional well-being,” he said.

Next Legal Step Set for May 29

The upcoming arraignment in Oakland County Circuit Court on May 29 will determine how the case proceeds. If convicted of the charge, Jones could face up to two years in prison under Michigan sentencing guidelines.

In the meantime, the community remains divided between long-standing support for their pastor and concern over the serious nature of the allegations. The quiet from church officials may reflect the sensitivity of the situation and the legal constraints surrounding an ongoing case.

As the legal process continues, more information is expected to emerge. For now, the focus remains on the courtroom, where Jones will face a judge again this coming Thursday.