Concord - Cabarrus County Commissioner, Coy Privette, has been charged with aiding and abetting prostitution in Rowan County.  The long-serving political figure, and former baptist Minister who's made a name for himself with his conservative views, was charged and released from a Rowan County jail on Thursday.

According to Authorities, thecharges, which are a misdemeanor,  resulted from an investigation into a forged check at a bank in Kannapolis.  In addition, Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury, was charged with six counts of prostitution.

Summers, who is no stranger to the law, has previous convictions for prostitution and possessing stolen goods, as well as drug possession.

Privette, who has been on the Cabarrus CountyBoard of Commissioners since 1998, has always had a reputation for taking unltr-conservstive views on contoversial issues, like liquor by the drink and illegal immigration.  In fact, it was Privette who recently led, and was successful in, an initiative to make English the official language of Cabarrus County.

“I ask for everyone to keep Mr. Privette’s family and our entire community in their prayers," said Comission Chairman, Bob Carruth.  "As a Board, we will move forward with the business of the County and will wish the best for this situation."

Mr. Carruth also is asking the public to let due process run its course and not to judge too quickly.  "In this country, we are innocent until proven guilty," Hae said.  "We must allow for due process in the courts. No one should be convicted in the court of public opinion.”

Even if it wanted to, the comission is not allowed to take any disciplinary action against Privette, under North Carolina law, even if he is convicted.

Curruth also says the next board meeting will take place, as scheduled, on July 23.

Meanwhile, the case is still under investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation and Kannapolis police.