Pastor Accused of Plotting to Murder Wife With Mistress Apologizes for Relationship, Does Not Mention Murder Charge
A Tennessee pastor accused of plotting to murder his wife with his mistress thanked his "wife, children and family" for their "support love and forgiveness" following news that he had been placed on supervised probation after a plea bargain.
Edward Mallonee, 54, and Shelly Moran were both met at Second Baptist Church in Union City, where Mallonee was a pastor. He and Moran were accused of plotting to poison his wife, Cathy, on a mission trip to Honduras and had been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and an attempt to commit first-degree murder.
Mallonee expressed regret for his decisions but did not mention the murder charge, in a statement released on Dec. 13 by WBBJ.
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"A pastor could not have asked for a more wonderful body of believers. I was blessed to get to serve a great community. Sadly, I become involved in an inappropriate relationship," he wrote. "I deeply hurt my wife, children, family, congregation and community. I was guilty of this adulterous relationship. I have paid the price and I will continue to pay a price for what I have done."
Cathy Mallonee stood by her husband during the entire case; her presence credited as one of the reasons why her husband was able to avoid jail time. The former pastor said that he had sought out his wife of 34 years and asked her forgiveness, which she had extended to him.
"I have asked God, my family, my church, and the people in the community to forgive me. I am so grateful for those who have and those who can't, I am so sorry. The pain and disappointment I have caused so many will continue to grieve my heart for the rest of my life. I have been guilty of an adulterous relationship, poor judgment, and I have certainly not afforded my wife the fidelity that she deserved," the former pastor added.
Mallonee's statement also did not rule out a return to ministry.
"My wife and I have servants' hearts and we will continue to serve others however the Lord sees fit," he said.
Despite the church's setbacks, Pam Tankersley, a new member of the church, posted on Facebook that Second Baptist Church was making it through what had been a tumultuous time.
"Ty and I moved our membership to second a couple weeks ago. Its the warmest friendliest most outreaching church I've ever been to," Tankersley wrote. "The crap has not hurt the church, it is stronger than ever. We feel at home there and welcomed as if we were family coming back home. Although I feel sad that any pastor would let himself get caught up in Satan's games, especially of this magnitude, the church has only grown stronger and better for it. Prayer is always appreciated as search is underway for new leadership. God's plan and timing is always perfect."
