A Missouri United Methodist pastor has been suspended with pay while he faces charges of statutory sodomy and sexual abuse.John W. Hampton, 32, most recently led the Hermann United Methodist Church and Rosebud United Methodist Churches in east central Missouri.Last week, Camden County prosecutors charged Hampton with statutory sodomy with a person less than 12 years old, second-degree statutory sodomy, and fourth-degree child molestation. All three charges are felonies. He was also charged with misdemeanor second-degree sexual abuse.The alleged sexual abuse took place between 2018 and 2021, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case. It took place at a lake home in Camden County, according to the probable cause statement.During the investigation, a detective from the Camden County sheriff’s office said Hampton told the detective he did not have time to meet for an interview about the situation.After Camden County prosecutors filed charges, United Methodist Bishop Bob Farr sent a letter to his clergy colleagues telling them he suspended Hampton with pay. He also said Hampton is not allowed on church property due to the restrictions of the criminal charges.“I have no reason to believe anything criminal took place on church property or with any people associated with the Hermann or Rosebud United Methodist Churches,” he said in the letter.Hampton's photo and biography have since been removed from the Hermann United Methodist Church's website. KMBC 9 has reached out to the Missouri Annual Conference for a statement regarding Hampton's suspension with pay. A spokesperson issued this statement:"The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church is committed to providing safe places of worship and fellowship to everyone we serve.Following notification that John Hampton, Jr. was arrested and released on bond, Bishop Bob Farr suspended Hampton with pay. Farr is the resident bishop of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church. Hampton, Jr. is currently not allowed on church property including the church parsonage per the restrictions of the criminal charges.The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church considers this to be a serious situation. We will cooperate fully with the police investigation. At this time, we have no reason to believe anything criminal took place on church property or with any people associated with the Hermann or Rosebud United Methodist Churches." In addition, the spokesperson stated the procedure for a clergy member charged with a crime is handled on a case-by-case basis, and depends on many circumstances, including the nature of the charge. "In situations involving charges for crimes in which harm may have been caused to others or that suggest a risk to the safety of others, children or vulnerable adults especially, the Conference’s first priority is to do what can be done to prevent further harm," the spokesperson said. On Thursday, the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church released an updated statement:"On Thurs., August 11, Bishop Bob Farr met with John Hampton, Jr. in a supervisory meeting and removed him from his appointment to the Hermann and Rosebud United Methodist Churches. He will be on indefinite suspension without pay until the resolution of the Camden County criminal investigation. Hampton is not allowed on church property per the restrictions of the criminal charges."The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church is committed to providing safe places of worship and fellowship to everyone we serve. The Conference considers this to be a serious situation and will cooperate fully with the police investigation if asked. At this time, Conference officials have no reason to believe anything criminal took place on church property or with anyone associated with the Hermann or Rosebud United Methodist Churches."Following notification that Hampton was arrested and released on bond on Tues., August 2, Bishop Bob Farr took immediate action to suspend Hampton and the Northeast District Superintendent told Hampton he was not allowed on church property. The Safe Sanctuaries Authority of the Missouri Conference then notified Safe Gatherings that his certification should be suspended until further notice. Safe Gatherings is a third-party abuse prevention system the Missouri Conferences uses for clergy and lay volunteers working with children, youth and vulnerable adults. The system includes abuse prevention training, background checks and reference checks."In addition, all active United Methodist clergy in Missouri undergo extensive training, psychological examination and additional background checks prior to appointment to local churches."Neither the Missouri Conference nor any of Hampton’s supervisors were aware of a criminal investigation or any allegations prior to his arrest and release on bond."KMBC 9 also made a request for comment from Hampton's attorney, which went unanswered.