Former Grizzlies PA announcer charged with sex crime

Two days after being fired from the Downtown Church, Rick Trotter is being investigated because of “deception and moral failures of a sexual nature.”

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The Memphis Grizzlies cut ties with their public address announcer a month ago but made no announcement until yesterday when an arrest warrant was issued for Rick Trotter. He is charged with four counts that he photographed someone without their consent at the Downtown Church, according to a report from NBC Sports.

The Grizzlies hired Trotter in 2006 despite having no prior experience. He previously worked at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta before moving to Memphis.

Trotter, 40, is accused of making upskirt videos of church members while services were going on. He was booked into the Shelby County Jail and being held on a $70,000 bond.

This was the second time Trotter has been let go by a religious organization. Before joining the Downtown Church, he had previously worked at the Fellowship Memphis.

The Downtown Church issued the following statement:

“We, the elders of Downtown Church, are deeply saddened to announce that, effective May 27, Rick Trotter was terminated as an employee of Downtown Church. This was the result of deception and moral failures of a sexual nature.

“As you can imagine, this revelation has been deeply devastating to all of us. We, as elders, have come around his wife and children offering spiritual, emotional, and financial support. We will continue to support and encourage them, and we know the Downtown Church family will follow suit.

“We have responded swiftly as information has emerged, with counsel from trusted professionals. As we move forward in this process, we want the congregation to know we are fully committed to operating with integrity and transparency. Please join us in praying for all involved.”