Haslet Pastor Temporarily Suspended Amid Sex Offender Employment Controversy

Heritage Baptist Church conducting internal review after pastor hired registered sex offender as contractor

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Haslet, Texas has been temporarily suspended from his duties after he hired his son, a registered sex offender, to work as a maintenance worker and volunteer worship leader on the church campus. The decision sparked outrage from parents, leading to a petition calling for the pastor's resignation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues churches and religious institutions face when dealing with individuals with criminal histories, and the need for robust policies and oversight to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially children.

The details

Eric Crawford, the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, hired his son Caleb Crawford, a registered sex offender, to work as an independent contractor on the church campus, which also houses a school and daycare. Caleb Crawford was convicted in 2016 of indecently touching a 12-year-old girl and was incarcerated until 2018. After parents discovered Caleb's criminal history, he was fired, and the church announced an internal review to be conducted by the finance department.

  • In October 2016, Caleb Crawford was convicted of indecently touching a 12-year-old girl.
  • Caleb Crawford was released from jail in October 2018.
  • On February 16, 2026, Caleb Crawford was fired from his position at Heritage Baptist Church.
  • On February 17, 2026, Heritage Baptist Church announced that Eric Crawford is 'temporarily relieved of all ministry responsibilities' while an internal review is conducted.

The players

Eric Crawford

The pastor of Heritage Baptist Church who hired his son, a registered sex offender, to work on the church campus.

Caleb Crawford

The son of Eric Crawford and a registered sex offender who was hired by his father to work as a maintenance worker and volunteer worship leader at Heritage Baptist Church.

Heritage Baptist Church

A church in Haslet, Texas that employed a registered sex offender on its campus, which also houses a school and daycare.

Katie Johnson

A former attendee of Heritage Baptist Church who started a petition calling for Eric Crawford's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“The pastor's statement was not enough accountability and started a petition for Eric Crawford's resignation on Wednesday.”

— Katie Johnson, Former church attendee (Star-Telegram)

What’s next

The internal review by the finance department at Heritage Baptist Church is ongoing, and the results will determine if further action is taken regarding Eric Crawford's employment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of churches and religious institutions having robust policies and oversight when it comes to employing individuals with criminal histories, especially in roles that involve interaction with vulnerable members of the community such as children. The need for transparency and accountability is crucial in maintaining the trust and safety of the congregation.