Marshall Co man arrested for allegedly promoting prostitution, dealing drugs

A Marshall County man was arrested after police say he was allegedly promoting prostitution and patronizing a prostitute as well as dealing controlled substances in his home.

68-year-old James Irwin of Plymouth was arrested Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Irwin was the Director of Care and Share Ministries in Plymouth and was a local pastor at a Methodist church is South Bend.

Neighbors of that church say they aren’t too happy to hear the news.

“Never have we remotely had anything like that occur in this community,” said a resident of South Bend who requested to remain anonymous. “This is a beautiful area. Wonderful neighbors, and I feel that to have him in the area bringing that into this community is not a good thing and I feel very uncomfortable with that,” said the resident.

Police say Irwin had interactions with 3 different women before he was arrested for promoting and patronizing prostitution.

“I would never have imagined that it would have and definitely not in conjunction with the church in my community," said the resident. “People should not use that type of position to garner trust from the community and then turn and do something like that person has done. That’s very unsettling.”

ABC 57 News also reached out to Irwin’s family who responded saying they have no comment.

Both the organization and church have not responded to a request for comment either.

The Marshall County Drug Task Force is leading this investigation. They ask that if anyone has any information to call them at 574-936-0234.

Correction: We previously stated Irwin was an Associate Pastor at Maple Grove United Methodist in South Bend. Irwin was a local pastor at the church from 2011 to 2013 but is no longer associated with the church.