'Demon' of substance abuse lands former Foss Avenue Baptist pastor in jail
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Those who know the Rev. Derrick A. Aldridge said he fell into a downward spiral of substance abuse trying to live up to his family name, made famous by his father, the late Rev. Avery Aldridge.
On Monday, Genesee Circuit Judge Judith A. Fullerton acknowledged receiving many letters on Derrick Aldridge's behalf, but said she had to do her job and sentenced Aldridge to 2 years' probation and 90 days in jail.
Aldridge, 52, resigned as pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church last week as members voted to oust him. He was led from the packed court in handcuffs to begin serving his sentence as members of his former flock looked on.
He earlier pleaded guilty to improper possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a 90-day misdemeanor, and possession of cocaine, a 4-year felony.
Police found Aldridge passed out in his car Jan. 13 at Flushing Road and Ballenger Highway about 6 a.m. with cocaine and a loaded weapon.
Fullerton also ordered Aldridge to continue his rehabilitation treatment, attend a 12-step program and submit to random drug tests.
Before being sentenced, Aldridge apologized to his family, the court, the community and his "church family."
He said his struggles against alcohol and drugs were weakened after the death of his mother, causing him to relapse.
Attorney Michael P. Manley, who represented Aldridge, told Fullerton the family name was too much of a "legacy to live up to."
He said the "demon" of substance abuse caused him to lose the church founded by his father. Aldridge took over the 1,200-member church in February 2002.
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