A former Macomb County church choir leader and gospel singer is facing multiple charges tied to child pornography and child sexual abuse.
Thomas Durham, founder and member of the New Destiny Quartet, is accused of possessing child pornography and sexually exploiting a girl.
According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, Durham allegedly had sex with a minor and threatened to spread damaging rumors about her in their community unless she had sex with another man.
Durham performed with The New Destiny Quartet for more than 20 years before abruptly retiring last May, former member Brian Fuson told CBS News Detroit.
“We were just completely blindsided by all of it,” Fuson said. “We had absolutely no idea what was going on in his personal life, and I have three young girls myself, and I’m just absolutely repulsed by the whole situation.”
Durham faces 15 to 30 years in federal prison and remains in custody.
CBS News Detroit spoke with Durham’s wife on Friday. She declined to give an interview but denied that Durham sexually assaulted the minor.
The outlet also contacted Durham’s attorney, Mary Chartier, and is waiting for a response. The New Destiny Quartet and Great Lakes Christian Church did not return requests for comment.
Fuson said he and the remaining members are no longer affiliated with New Destiny and hope to continue performing gospel music.
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