LUMBERTON, N.C. — Pastor Richard Barnes of Lumberton, NC is at the center of a viral social media controversy after a Facebook post by his estranged wife sparked unexpected backlash across Robeson County. Barnes, the longtime leader of Clyborn Pines Church of God, began trending locally after photos surfaced showing him dining with another woman.
Who Is Pastor Richard Barnes of Lumberton NC?
Pastor Richard Barnes serves as the leader of Clyborn Pines Church of God in Lumberton, where he has been known for his involvement in ministry and the local church community. Until this week, Barnes largely stayed out of the public spotlight — but that changed after private marital issues became public Facebook fodder.
Barnes is currently separated from his wife, Tasha Sampson, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Facebook Post Sparks Controversy
On Thursday night, Sampson took to Facebook accusing Barnes of being unfaithful, despite acknowledging that the couple has been separated. Her post included a photo of Barnes seated at a dinner table with another woman.
“Surprise. He going around telling people I didn’t want him, but does that give you the right to go out and find another woman while we are still legally married and you’re a pastor of a church? Make it make sense,” Sampson wrote in the now-deleted post.
The image — which appeared to capture a quiet dinner — quickly spread across Lumberton social media circles, turning a personal separation into public church-town drama.
Who Is April Locklear?
The woman pictured with Pastor Barnes was later identified by The North Carolina Beat as April Locklear. While little is publicly known about Locklear, her appearance alongside Barnes quickly made her a talking point in the community.
Sources close to the situation say Barnes has been moving forward with his life following the separation, which allegedly triggered the emotional response online. Whether Barnes and Locklear are officially dating has not been confirmed.
Family Members Add Fuel to the Fire
The situation escalated when Sonya Sampson, Tasha Sampson’s sister, publicly jumped into the controversy with harsh comments aimed at Pastor Barnes. In a now-deleted post, Sonya criticized Barnes’ character and questioned his conduct as a pastor.
Despite the accusations, public reaction did not land the way Sampson and her sister may have expected. Many commenters pushed back, noting that Barnes was being publicly shamed despite an acknowledged separation.
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