By Victor Ochieng
Police have arrested a youth pastor in Gwinnett County after he was accused of engaging in s*x with a 14-year-old girl at a church in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Nicholas Kelley, 34, is alleged to have had an “inappropriate s*xual relationship” with the underage girl while serving as her counselor at New Bridges Church, said Gwinnett County police Cpl. Deon Washington on Wednesday morning. According to the police, Kelley “began fostering a relationship with the child” in December 2015 and it developed into a s*xual relationship this summer. Besides meeting at the church, the two met several times at different parks in Gwinnett County, added Washington.
Even though the two managed to keep their illicit relationship secret for a while, hell broke lose on Monday after the girl’s parents learned about it. This was after the girl sneaked out of the house to go spend some time with the pastor. Unfortunately for the two, the girl suffered a serious nervous breakdown and was taken to the hospital, reports the police.
The parents met the church staff on Tuesday over the issue.
A staff member reported the case to the police and Kelley was arrested and charged with child molestation, statutory rape and aggravated s*xual battery. He’s currently held at the county jail without bond.
The police are suspecting that there could be some other victims. Therefore, they’re appealing to parents at the New Bridges Church to talk with their children about Kelley.
“In situations like this where a youth pastor uses his access to children and position to satisfy a s*xual appetite, it is always a concern that there are unknown victims,” Washington said. “It is very disturbing that a person would use religion and counseling to exploit a child s*xually.”
In their statement, the police pointed out that “the goal is to learn the full truth of what has occurred, and to continue to respond accordingly as we provide care for the victim and her family, and also for the family of the accused.”
Anyone with information relevant to the case is requested to reach special victims unit at 770-513-5300.
Cases of pastors molesting minors is on the rise. Therefore, parents who’re giving their children to so-called spiritual fathers, mentors, counselors, etc must be on the lookout, lest their children are left at the mercy of hyenas in sheep skin.
Source
