A North Texas pastor has temporarily stepped down from his church leadership role after his son, a registered sex offender, was arrested Thursday for violating registration requirements.
Pastor Eric Crawford is stepping down from his duties at Heritage Baptist Church and Heritage Christian Academy in Haslet while church officials conduct an internal review, the church announced.
The moves come amid intense scrutiny from parents who recently discovered Crawford’s son, Caleb, had been working at the private school despite his criminal history, as The Dallas Express reported.
Fort Worth police arrested Caleb at noon Thursday for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. The 33-year-old is required to register for life after a 2016 conviction for indecency with a child involving a 12-year-old girl.
Heritage Baptist Church said Pastor Crawford agreed to step away “in full agreement with church leadership and his family” while the Finance Team conducts a “thorough internal review.”
The church emphasized the decision was made “collaboratively and voluntarily” to ensure transparency and preserve the integrity of the review process.
During the review, Crawford will not participate in preaching, teaching, administrative oversight, or any leadership functions within the church, school, or related ministries.
Records show Caleb is listed as a moderate risk level, meaning a moderate risk of reoffending. No sexual misconduct has been reported at Heritage Christian Academy.
Caleb had worked as an independent contractor at the church and school. Church leaders said he had no responsibility or authority over students and confirmed his employment was terminated after parents raised concerns.
The church said it remains committed to accountability and will provide updates as appropriate, consistent with legal and privacy considerations.
