Youth Minister Accused Of Sexual Battery
Police Say Man Had Consensual Relationship With 14-Year-Old
POSTED: Sunday, November 22, 2009
UPDATED: 3:48 pm EST November 23,
2009
  |
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- A South Florida youth minister is behind bars, accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl from his church.Russell Lewis, 28, is a minister of music at the Church by the Glades, located at 400 Lakeview Drive in Coral Springs.Detectives said he had a five-month consensual relationship with the teen.Lewis, who was arrested Sunday, is charged with one count of custodial sexual battery and 10 counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.The church's pastors acted quickly and immediately terminated the minister after his arrest."We are deeply sorry for the hurt and harm this has caused to the victim and families involved, as well as others in the church family and the community," said Tom Albright, executive pastor at the Church by the Glades.The pastor apologized to the congregation on Sunday. He was open with the members, explaining what happened. Counselors were on hand at the church to help the students who might have worked with the minister.A judge on Monday afternoon ruled that Lewis could be released on $70,000 bond.Police believe this is an isolated incident, but if there are any other victims please contact Detective Ken Clark at 954-346-1300.
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