Colleton County minister denies sexually assaulting church members: ‘We had a good time’

CANADYS, SC (WCSC) - A Colleton County minister accused of sexually assaulting former church members denies the accusations against him in his first on-camera interview since his arrest in January 2018.

The Rev. Ralph Stair, who oversees Overcomer Ministry on Highway 61 in Canadys, agreed to be interviewed in May for a documentary that profiles one of his former church members.

The documentary, called “When God Comes,” is being produced by New York City photojournalist Andrew Theodorakis. The movie is centered on former church member and rapper Craig Mack, who died in March 2018.

Stair is charged with sexually assaulting four former female members of Overcomer Ministry. He was arrested after a Live 5 News investigation into the ministry that included interviews with some of his accusers.

Stair also is accused of grabbing an underage girl by the breast during a church service.

In the interview, Stair denied the sex assault accusations.

“I haven’t had sex with anybody under 18, it’s a false charge. When I committed adultery the women were old enough and we had a good time,” Stair said.

He also denied that he is operates a cult at Overcomer Ministry.

“Don’t tell me you’re not a sinner, you are,” Stair said. “All of us sin, all of us and come sure, all of us. That’s why we’re here. We want to get out of that environment and we’re doing fine. Look at the place, where can we live better than this, with no debt?”

Stair is free on $75,000 cash bond.

A trial date has not been set.

He’s not allowed to contact his accusers and no children are allowed in the compound.

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