April 05, 2005

L.I. Church Counselor Sentenced For Sex Assaults

RIVERHEAD (NY)
WNBC

POSTED: 8:09 am EDT April 5, 2005

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. -- A former Long Island church counselor has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for sexual assault.

Vincente Elias Lopez, 44, of East Quogue, worked as a counselor at Living Water Full Gospel Church in Aquebogue 5 years ago.

Lopez was convicted of sexually abusing three girls under the age of 11. The Suffolk County District Attorney's office said Lopez used his position as a counselor to abuse the girls at a wedding, inside the church and at his house.

Meanwhile, a representative at the church said Lopez was not related to the church. The representative said Lopez rented a basement room to hold Bible study classes.

Posted by kshaw at April 5, 2005 09:04 AM