HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – At a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, a Madison County district court judge dismissedthree of four criminal charges against Michael McDougal.
McDougal faced four charges of second-degree human trafficking, according to investigators who claimed he pretended to be a minister and provided assistance to women in need before compensating them for sexual services.
McDougal exclusively shared information with 48 following the hearing.
“All the accusations are untrue, they’re all incorrect, and they’re fabricating things against me,” McDougal stated.
Assistant District Attorney Shea Keller exited the courtroom feeling disheartened following the judge’s decision.
“I mean, it’s a regrettable outcome, but we will keep pushing forward with what we consider a serious breach of Alabama’s laws, and we’ll find out what the grand jury has to say about it,” Keller stated.
Witnesses stated that McDougal would go to homeless camps and community support initiatives to find women struggling with drug addiction.
Authorities state that McDougal has been banned from several organizations, such as First Stop, Ross Recovery, and Manna House.
Victims reported to investigators that McDougal would tell them he could help change their lives, suggested attending church, and then requested sexual activity in exchange for $40 or drugs.
Pastor Mike said to WAFF 48, he didn’t exploit them, but rather they exploited him.
“Because they saw my kindness as a sign of weakness and have ended up charging me with several things, claiming I did this, that, and the other, which I truly didn’t,” McDougal said.
48 News asked: What was his intention in speaking to these women, providing them with money for sex, and helping them get out of jail?
That wasn’t my intention,” McDougal stated. “My objective is to assist others.
A development in the case occurred when police detained one of McDougal’s victims on drug-related charges. Authorities mention that her phone kept ringing continuously, prompting them to ask who was contacting her. She informed them that it was “Pastor Mike wanting to have sex again.”
Police then had her request McDougal to pick her up for a sexual encounter in return for money. Authorities state that McDougal went to the homeless camp, where he was subsequently taken into custody.
A court issued a warrant allowing authorities to examine his phone, where they discovered three additional victims, all of whom struggled with substance abuse.
They claim he encountered a woman at a gas station and introduced himself as “Pastor Mike.” She informed him she had no money. Testifiers stated that McDougal would question the victims, “What are you willing to do for that money?”
Police stated that the two individuals engaged in sexual activity in return for $40. The victim informed investigators that McDougal continued to contact her and warned that he would reveal the affair to her husband if she ceased having relations with him.
The same woman also informed the police that McDougal was recognized within the female section of the Madison County Jail. She mentioned, “Everyone is aware that Pastor Mike can help you get out.”
In one instance, investigators stated that he bailed a woman out. They mentioned that he paid her $250 bond and told her, “Your picture doesn’t do you justice, you’re beautiful.” She informed him she only had $200 to return to him. She told investigators that he then responded, “You can pay off your bond with your body.”
Police stated that McDougal returned to the woman, claiming he needed the money since it belonged to the church, not him. The prosecution informed the judge that the victim was concerned about cutting off contact with McDougal because she feared he might violate her bond, leading her back to jail.
The fourth woman informed investigators that McDougal asked if she required a ride. Authorities state he inquired, “Are you prepared to do anything for money?”
She claims he promised to assist her. He arranged for her to enter a rehabilitation facility in Birmingham, where she experienced withdrawal symptoms and required financial support. As a result, McDougal is alleged to have paid for sexual encounters. She states that he would send messages asking, “What’s in it for me?”
Several women reported to the police that he made them clean his house, organize clothing, and paint.
McDougal’s lawyer claimed there was no proof that McDougal committed this act besides the statements from women struggling with drug addiction. The judge determined that the evidence she reviewed seemed more like prostitution rather than human trafficking, which involves deception or force.
“In my view, that wasn’t a fair exchange,” Keller stated. Prostitution involves me performing a sexual act for you, and you paying me a certain amount of money, with both of us getting what we want. That’s not what this was.
Prosecutors inform WAFF 48 that they intend to present all four felony charges to a grand jury, even after the decision, and aim to secure indictments on all four.
McDougal’s bail was also lowered from $250,000 to $100,000.
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