13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Community activist faces sex assault charges

Community activist faces sex assault charges

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - A community activist turned himself over to authorities on sexual assault charges. Two women accuse him of crossing the line behind closed doors.

Minister Byron Alston is known for speaking out against crime. Now, Alston has hired high profile attorney Patrick Baker to help him fight his own criminal charges involving sexual assault allegations.

"The facts that will ultimately come out to show that Dr. Alston was not involved in any of these allegations," said Baker.

Alston stepped down as director at the Save The Youth Center. That's where a 23-year-old and a 19-year-old woman claim Alston took advantage of them.

"He had inappropriate sexual comments and touching at his establishment," said Lt. Jeff Duhamell, IMPD.

A special prosecutor charged Alston with two counts of sexual battery and one count of criminal confinement. Alston is an ex-felon who vowed to make good after nearly ten years behind bars. He was convicted of Armed Robbery, Criminal Confinement and Sexual Battery.

"We are very concerned about the backgrounds of the alleged victims," Baker said.

The allegations are outlined by the two victims in the probable cause affidavit, describing what Alston did to them at Save the Youth. Connie Berryhill knows one of the victims and finds it hard to believe.

"She was in women's prison with my daughter," said Berryhill. "If things don't go her way she likes to plot on people and lie on people."

One victim says Alston made a sexual pass, implying if she would have sex with him she could have the job. She told Alston no, attempting to unbuckle the (her) pants, but she pushed him away. She says he performed a sex act and then unlocked the door.

His attorney is confident about beating the charges.

"The facts are not supported by the probable cause affidavit," Baker said.

Alston is out of jail on a $25,000 bond. His attorney has not ruled out filing a motion for dismissal in this case. A judge has set a trial date for December.

A court date was scheduled for Dec. 9.