American pastor of Oklahoma amd his wife arrested for child abuse, kidnapping and neglect 

By Edward Era Barbacena 

Blackwell police arrested a pastor and his wife accused of child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect.

Police believe as many as eight children were beaten with a board and locked in a bathroom for several days without food or water as punishment.

According to a report from Blackwell Police Chief Jay Brewer, in early January 2024, police received a call from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services concerned about several children left home alone.

Police say they received several calls from people concerned about what might be happening inside the home.

On Sunday, January 14th, officers went to the home to check on the welfare of the children.

According to the police report, the parents refused to open the door. Police say the next day, DHS and their officers made another attempt to check on the children, and again, no one would come to the door.

On January 16th, police say the parents answered the door and let investigators in the house.

Police say they discovered enough evidence to arrest Keith Holt and Candy Holt for child abuse.

The police report goes on to say officers believe Holt beat the children with a wooden board sometimes up to 40 times per beating, and they are also accused of locking the kids in a bathroom for several days without food and water as punishment.

All of the children were taken into protective custody.

Officers say Keith Holt identified himself as the Lead Pastor of the House of Prayer Church in Blackwell. Fox 25 is working to confirm if Keith Holt is employed by the House of Prayer Church in Blackwell, but so far haven't gotten a response.

On Facebook,  however,  the Blackwell House of Prayer Church posted, "The article that is online about the House of Prayer, senior pastor is not the truth. John and Nellie Jack are the senior pastors. We do not condone child abuse in any form. Please pray for our church."

Police are asking the Kay County district attorney to file child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect charges against Keith Holt and enabling child abuse, kidnapping, and child neglect charges against Candy Holt.

Police are asking anyone with any information about this case to contact the Blackwell Police Department.