safety
Former New Deal preacher arrested, accused of child sexual abuse
By Chelsea Collinsworth at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A former preacher in New Deal has been arrested accused of sexually abusing a minor from 2019 to 2020, according to court documents.48-year-old Brian Townsend was arrested and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on June 26. He’s charged with one count of indece...
Key takeaway 48-year-old Brian Townsend was arrested and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on June 26.
Why this matters in The Midland
The arrest of Brian Townsend, a former preacher in New Deal, on charges of child sexual abuse, raises concerns about the safety and well-being of children in Midland County's neighboring communities. As the case against Townsend moves forward, local residents will be watching to see how the Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock County Detention Center handle the investigation and prosecution. The fact that the alleged abuse occurred in a house in New Deal, where Townsend had a preaching job, may also prompt questions about the vetting and oversight of individuals in positions of trust, such as clergy members. In the Permian Basin area, where communities are tight-knit and places of worship often play a central role, the impact of such allegations can be particularly devastating. The $150,000 bond set for Townsend's release will likely be seen as a significant measure to ensure public safety while the case is pending.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A former preacher in New Deal has been arrested accused of sexually abusing a minor from 2019 to 2020, according to court documents.48-year-old Brian Townsend was arrested and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on June 26. He’s charged with one count of indece...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chelsea Collinsworth at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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