Orlando Radio: WMFE Show Co-Host Accused Of Sexual Abuse

Bryan Fulwider

Well-known Central Florida clergyman and radio show host Rev. Bryan Fulwider was arrested Wednesday after a victim came forward to report having been sexually abused “numerous times” by the pastor as a child, Winter Park police said.

According to The Orlando Sentinel, the 59-year-old Fulwider was booked into the Seminole County jail after his arrest, where he is being held without bail. According to a warrant, he faces 30 counts of sexual battery of a person younger than 18 by a person in position of custodial authority.

He faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.

Fulwider, known as one of the “Three Wise Guys," is a founder and co-host of the popular radio show “Friends Talking Faith,” broadcast weekly on non-com WMFE 90.7 FM.

In a statement, Orlando attorney Jacob V. Stuart Jr., who is representing Fulwider, said he and his client “vehemently deny each and every allegation that has been made against him."

In a statement, the Winter Park Police Department said investigators met Tuesday with the victim, who reported having been sexually battered by Fulwider repeatedly between 2005 and 2010, when Fulwider was senior minister at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park.

Rev. James Coffin, executive director of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, spoke about Fulwider after the hearing, calling him a friend and respected colleague. Fulwider is a member of the council’s executive committee. Coffin said he could not comment on the case or allegations, but wants justice to prevail.

“It’s critical that we always have the fair and appropriate process,” Coffin said, noting that both the accuser and the accused deserve to be heard. “It’s a sad time for both of them right now.”

Stephen Yasko, interim president and general manager for WMFE, said the show had been put on hiatus “[g]iven the nature and gravity of today’s revelations.” It was not produced by WMFE but was taped in the station’s studios, Yasko said.

Along with his “Friends Talking Faith” co-hosts, Imam Muhammad Musri and Rabbi Steven Engel, Fulwider was a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel’s 2018 Central Floridian of the Year award.