Minister Says Bobby Cutts Jr. Is Leaning on His Family, Faith

Jun 23, 10:06 AM

Current Headlines: By Phil Trexler, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Jun. 23--Bobby Cutts Jr., thrust into the national spotlight focusing on the disappearance of his girlfriend, is coping with the help of family and God, his minister said Friday.

The Rev. C.A. Richmond Sr. of the Logos Baptist Assembly Church of Canton said Cutts has denied involvement in the disappearance of Jessie Marie Davis, who has been missing for more than a week.

He said that Cutts is praying that Davis, 26, and her unborn child are found alive.

The glare of suspicion, however, is weighing heavily on the Canton police officer, Richmond said.

Detectives have declined to name Cutts a suspect in the case, but they have searched his home and his cars and have interviewed him twice since Davis disappeared.

Davis' mother has said she believes Cutts has some involvement.

"All this is hard on him," Richmond said. "Not being able to see his son, being a suspect, or at least being under suspicion. It's hard on him -- the things he's going through and adjusting to life. All of it's hard, but he remains strong."

"He is innocent. He denies having anything to do with this," Richmond said. "The Bobby Cutts I know is not the type of person who would do anything close to this."

Richmond has known the officer since 1998, and he performed Cutts' marriage ceremony to Kelly Schaub in 2001. He said Cutts, 30, volunteers his time with the church and helps the youth ministry. He calls Cutts loving, compassionate and caring.

Richmond said he first counseled Cutts on the Davis case following church services Sunday. Since then, Cutts has been surrounded by a large extended family, offering their prayers of support.

On Thursday night, more than 50 people gathered at the officer's home in Plain Township for more prayer.

"He is being supported by his own strength, his family and his faith in God to get through all of this," Richmond said.

Cutts, who has declined most interview requests since Davis was reported missing, asked Richmond to speak with reporters to show a side of him different from the one being shown on national TV and in the local media.

Richmond said he did not ask Cutts about his alibi or any details of his relationship with Davis, with whom he has had a five-year relationship and a son. He does know that Cutts, the father of two other children, has cooperated with detectives. He also said it is inaccurate to portray Cutts as someone more concerned about himself than Davis.

"I think it would be a misrepresentation of the truth that he's more concerned about his own butt, but it would also be totally foolish for him not to be concerned about his freedom," he said.

Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com.

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