Bill McFarland, news director for WFTS ABC Action News, says he has no knowledge of the Sept. 18 incident that Leigh described, but that the news agency routinely accompanies TPD on raids. He also confirmed that the news agency was tipped off about the investigation but declined to verify whether or not the source worked with the police.
On Sun., Oct. 13, Bishop Leigh conducted regular services at his church. With approximately 20 people in attendance, including his wife, he gave blessings and ordained a young deacon into the faith. Despite his legal issues, Leigh seemed in surprisingly good spirits and encouraged members of his congregation to talk freely with the press. None of the parishioners I spoke to that day believed the allegations against their Bishop.
“He helps people who have fallen through the cracks,” one person said who preferred not to be identified. “For some reason, some folks don’t like that.”
