Top Preacher Steps Down After Sex Charges Aired -- Colorado Papers Cautious

Top Preacher Steps Down After Sex Charges Aired -- Colorado Papers Cautious: "Top Preacher Steps Down After Sex Charges Aired -- Colorado Papers Cautious

By Anna Crane

Published: November 02, 2006 3:00 PM ET updated 7:45 PM ET

NEW YORK Yesterday, Denver area residents tuned to radio or TV started hearing about allegations by self-proclaimed male escort Mike Jones, suggesting that he had a sexual business relationship with nationally known Colorado Springs evangelical leader Rev. Ted Haggard for three years. Today, area newspapers debated how to cover the story.

Late today, Haggard ended the caution when he stepped down.

The story broke Wednesday morning when Jones went on air at a Denver radio station to expose his alleged relationship with the married and anti-gay rights Haggard. That evening, Denver NBC affiliate KUSA-TV 9News ran an interview with Haggard.

Haggard, founder of the 14,000-member New Life Church, has denied the accusations but said in a statement released by the church today that he could 'not continue to minister under the cloud created by accusations made on Denver talk radio this morning.' He has placed himself on administrative leave.
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Haggard has boasted of chatting with the Bush White House at least once a week. "