Bossip Video

Battle Roy, Who Has Produced For Chris Brown And Eminem, Accused Of Using Church Youth Group To Molest Teen Boys; Battle Roy Denied Teen Sex Abuse Charges To BOSSIP

A popular music producer who has worked with the likes of Shakira and Chris Brown is accused of using his position as a church youth ministry leader to sexually molest teen boys.

Battle Roy, real name Roy K. Battle, is facing 10 counts of first-degree felony sex abuse for repeatedly abusing two boys in his youth groups at two Rochester, N.Y.-area Baptist churches.

If convicted, he faces two to seven years in prison for each charge. He’s due back in court in July, a spokeswoman from the Monroe County District Attorney told BOSSIP. A judge issued an order of protection against Battle Roy, and he has to stay away from his alleged victims for a year.

The music industry veteran is known for producing Chris Brown’s “Changed Man,” and Eminem’s “Lighters.” He has produced for Shakira and Jaheim and has written songs for Kelly Rowland and Demi Lovato. Battle Roy, 36, is originally from Rochester, in upstate New York, but now lives in the Los Angeles area.

Prosecutors said Battle Roy targeted teen male victims in youth ministry groups at the Open Door Baptist Church in Churchville, N.Y. and the Victory Baptist Church in Henrietta, NY. He then abused the boys at his home in Rochester.

When reached by phone, Battle Roy claimed to have no idea about his sex charges.

“I’m not familiar with all of this, thank you,” he said before hanging up.

Battle Roy’s website has also been taken down.

Meanwhile, officials from the churches Battle Roy allegedly used to target the boys distanced themselves from the producer.

Pastor Bill Finnerty, head of the Open Door Baptist Church, confirmed that Battle Roy was a youth ministry volunteer, who left the church in 2012 when he moved to California. He said all youth ministry workers get background checks and training, and agree never to be alone with children.

“The church staff and families are deeply saddened by the actions of Roy Battle,” Finnerty said in a statement to BOSSIP. “We are praying for the affected individuals and their families during this difficult time.”

A woman who only gave her name as Bonnie said Battle Roy hadn’t been a member of the Victory Baptist Church since 2001 and never held a leadership position. She claimed no one at the church knows him.

“Honestly, that’s 14 years ago,” Bonnie told BOSSIP, “and we’ve been through pastor changes and different things. I don’t know if there’s anyone here who remembers him.”

Facebook, Twitter

Comments

Bossip Comment Policy
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.