A protection order against a Craig pastor accused of attempting to strangle a juvenile was modified during a Thursday court appearance to allow the pastor to return to his church while the juvenile is not there.

Parrish Terry, 58, of Craig, was arrested June 16 and charged with second-degree assault strangulation and third-degree assault, according to a complaint filed by the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

During an interview with Craig police, the juvenile told officers that Terry had allegedly “attempted to grab him by the side.” The juvenile noted that he “slapped (Terry’s) hand away” and said he doesn’t like to be touched there, states the affidavit for arrest.

When the juvenile said this, Terry allegedly started to chase the juvenile, according to the affidavit.

“At first, he thought it was play fighting, but then got scared” and locked himself in a room, says the document. The juvenile told police that Terry began trying to open the door and started pounding on it.

When the juvenile opened the door, Terry allegedly grabbed him by the ears, then grabbed him by the throat, “lifting him up,” according to the affidavit.

“At one point, (Terry) pushed him against the wall, causing him to hit his head,” the affidavit continues.

During an appearance at the Moffat County Combined Courts, Terry’s attorney, Sean Brown, requested the court permit Terry to return to church premises.

District Attorney Matt Karzen argued against it, noting that it was “problematic” because the juvenile is consistently around the church property.

Karzen added that the ongoing investigation does not “mitigate concerns” that there “may be” a history of violence.

A representative of the Department of Human Services stated that Terry presents a “safety threat,” and the juvenile is receiving support from the department.

Moffat County Judge James Hesson permitted the protection order to be modified, allowing Terry to return to the church premises if the juvenile is not present.

However, the other requirements of the protection order remain, barring Terry from contacting the juvenile or any witnesses to the alleged crime, any location where the juvenile may be found, and consuming alcohol or controlled substances, according to the protection order.

Terry’s next court date is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 8.

Editor’s note: Every person accused of a crime is presumed to be innocent unless and until their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.