Youth Minister Accused of Sexual Relationship with Girl
There is believed to be just one victim.
By JANIE CAMPBELL
Updated 12:43 PM EST, Sun, Nov 22, 2009
Coral Springs police arrested the assistant music and youth minister at Church by the Glades this morning for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old congregant.
Russell Dion Lewis, 28, has been charged with one count of custodial sexual battery and ten counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. He is being held at the Broward County jail in lieu of $20,000 bond.
Police say the relationship between the two was consensual, but illegal because of the girl's age. It lasted five months, and authorities believe all sexual contact occured on church property.
"This is the hardest time in our ministry. It's a tragedy in the life of our church," said the church's head pastor, David Hughes.. "I am broken by this. I am devastated by this. I can't wrap my brain around something this horrible."
The incident is believed to be isolated, but Coral Springs police are asking any additional victims to contact Detective Ken Clark at 954-346-1300.
First Published: Nov 22, 2009 11:20 AM EST
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