Massachusetts pastor accused of beating girlfriend in church, then kidnapping her

A Massachusetts pastor was arrested over the weekend after his girlfriend said that he beat her and trapped her inside of their church.

According to The Metro West Daily News, Assistant District Attorney Nate Burris told the court on Monday that 55-year-old Pastor Timothy P. Jones had started arguing with his girlfriend at his apartment on Saturday night. The woman then left the apartment and went to New Bethel Baptist Church, where she was living.

Burris said that Jones later showed up at the church, and they continued arguing. He accused the pastor of hitting the victim with his fist, and with an open hand.

The woman was able to use a chair to barricade herself inside of a church bathroom, where she dialed 911. But Jones was broke into the bathroom, and he trapped her there.

When officers arrived, the woman was bruised and bleeding, Burris explained to the court.

"Police charged Jones with domestic assault and battery, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, kidnapping, witness intimidation and larceny from a person," The Metro West Daily News reported.

The woman reportedly said that she feared Jones would kill her. At the time of the incident, the woman's 5-year-old son was also in the church.

As a condition of bail, Judge Douglas Stoddart placed Jones on house arrest. He was only permitted to leave the home for work purposes. The judge also forbid Jones from coming near the victim or drinking alcohol.

[image of priest in handcuffs via Shutterstock.com]