GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Pastor Hunter Hickman, a 32-year-old resident of Tiro, has recently been indicted by the Crawford County Grand Jury on a serious charge. The pastor is now facing one count of Voyeurism, a fifth-degree felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 12 months in prison.
Hickman had previously served as the Chaplain for the Galion Police Department, but he was relieved of his duties in August 2023 when Chief Ryan Strange took over. The pastor was also affiliated with Real Life Naz, the Galion Church of the Nazarene. At our inquiry, Crawford County Now received the following statement from the Central District of the Nazarene Church:
STATEMENT OF THE NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
The North Central Ohio District of the Church of the Nazarene believes that the safety and care of children and youth is among its most sacred responsibilities. We respect the judicial process that must be followed, and we reported the allegations to proper authorities the same day we were made aware. Additionally, we removed Hunter Hickman from pastoring Galion Real Life Church, and have taken the steps necessary to prevent him from any ministry or service anywhere within the Church of the Nazarene.
We are committed to doing what is right and leading with transparency. The Church of the Nazarene will cooperate fully with any investigation, and we encourage everyone to share with law enforcement if they have knowledge of any inappropriate behavior with children or know of any child who was harmed.
We ask all of our members to pray for the victims, the families involved, and those in our local churches who serve their communities so well. We are heartbroken by the pain of this circumstance and desire justice and healing for all.
We believe that this circumstance can be redeemed; we see this as an opportunity to emphasize the call of the church to be a safe harbor for children and youth.
Crawford County Now will be following this developing news story and providing updates as more information becomes available.
