From staff reports

A Jemison pastor and daycare operator faces charges of sexually abusing a 11-year-old family member, according to Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer.

Simon Bussie, 45, was arrested Monday afternoon. He faces three counts of sexual abuse and one count of sodomy. Bussie was pastor of Eagles Cove Revival Center and operated Eaglet’s Nest Daycare from the church with his wife. 

The preschool daycare, at the intersection of highways 44 and 51, has been voluntarily shut down, according to Fulmer. The center looked after approximately 15 children a day.

While the investigation is ongoing, Fulmer said authorities have no reason to believe any other children are involved.

Fulmer said his department received a complaint Sunday night around 8 and immediately started an investigation, which led to Monday’s arrest.

“There are the cases that you don’t want to see come in. They are the ones that are most heartbreaking for law enforcement officers to work,” said Fulmer. 

The Alabama Department of Human Resources is involved with the investigation.

As of Monday evening, Bussie was being held in the Chilton County Jail on bonds totaling $100,000.

Anyone with information or concerns about the case should call Fulmer or Lt. Marc McMinn at 688-4491.