Former Central Florida Pastor Arrested on Sexual Abuse Charges

On November 21st, 2025, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a former pastor from Central Florida has been arrested on child sexual abuse charges and is facing five counts of felony child sexual abuse charges. Here, our West Palm Beach sexual assault and battery lawyers provides a more comprehensive overview of the case.

What We Know About the Allegations Against the Former Central Florida Pastor

As confirmed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, local authorities have arrested a former Florida pastor on serious allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. Prosecutors contend that he sexually abused two underage girls at a church where he served. After receiving initial reports in April, law enforcement began investigating the heinous, deeply disturbing allegations. They have now made an arrest. He faces charges including sexual battery of a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation. Recently, prosecutors added five new counts of sexual battery stemming from alleged abuse that happened at his home. Law enforcement described a pattern of grooming and coercion. They say he exploited his pastoral role to manipulate victims. Currently, the pastor is in custody without bond. As with any person charged with a crime, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

There are Confidential Resources Available for Victims of Sexual Abuse 

Sexual abuse victims are not alone. Victims in South Florida can access a range of confidential support services. The statewide sexual assault hotline at 1-888-956-7273 connects callers with trained advocates who can provide immediate guidance and local referrals. Palm Beach County and neighboring counties offer victim-services offices that assist with crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and applications for state crime-victim compensation.

Note: Victims can also file a civil sexual abuse claim against negligent third parties.

Religious Institutions May Be Liable for Civil Sexual Abuse By Pastors and Other Officials

Any person who commits an act of sexual abuse should be arrested. It is a serious crime and they must be held accountable. At the same time, institutions may be liable as well. Religious institutions can face civil liability when a pastor or other official commits sexual abuse. Liability may arise when the institution knew or should have known about warning signs and failed to act. It may also arise when leadership ignored complaints, failed to supervise staff, or created conditions that allowed abuse to continue. Courts look closely at hiring practices, training, internal reporting procedures, and the response to earlier concerns. Institutions have a duty to protect children and vulnerable adults who participate in their programs. When that duty is breached, victims have the right to bring a civil claim for damages. An experienced South Florida civil sexual abuse lawyer can help.

We Represent Victims and Families in Florida

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach civil sexual assault lawyers are compassionate, experienced, and committed to fighting for justice. If you or your loved one was the victim of sexual abuse, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. We represent victims and families throughout South Florida.

Source:

volusiasheriff.gov/news/volusia-county-sheriff/former-sanford-pastor-facing-additional-sex-abuse-charges-in-volusia.stml