4TH VICTIM FILES SUIT AGAINST BISHOP EDDIE LONG

Spencer Legrande, 22, of Charlotte, NC filed a suit today in DeKalb County State Court alleging that Long used his spiritual influence, wealth, cars and friendships with celebrities to induce a sexual relationship with him.

LeGrande alleged that he first met Long at the satellite church of New Birth Ministries Church  located in Charlotte, NC. LeGrande alleges further that he first had sex with Long when he traveled to Kenya with him when he was 17 years old in 2005. Long is said to have stated to the young man living in a one parent household that "I will be your Dad" allowing Legrande to trust him fully and think nothing of the relationship that was forming and taking on many different forms. LeGrande alleges that during the trip to Kenya that as they prepared for bed Long gave him a sleeping pill and they engaged in sexual acts together. LeGrande further states that Long convinced him that "engaging in a sexual relationship was a healthy component of his spiritual life." It is also alleged in the suit that in 2009 LeGrande again accompanied Long to Africa, engaged in multiple sexual acts and then moved to Atlanta at the pleading of Long. LeGrande says that he was told many time not to have girlfriends and soon he began to not fully understand how he had found himself in the predicament that he was in. At this point he moved back to NC in October of 2009 and has not had any further contact with long since.

(One of many pictures sent to young male church members)

(An additional picture that was sent by Bishop Long to alleged victims)

Long, a longtime opponent of gay relationships and marriages,  has vehemently denied all the allegations that have surfaced and said that he will speak on the matters when he addresses his congregation on Sunday, September 26, 2010.