VIRGINIA
The Connection
Springfield
By Glenn McCarty
June 16, 2005
Fairfax County Police arrested an associate pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Monday, June 13, and charged him with one count of forcible sodomy.
Police allege that 58-year old Rafael Arteaga had inappropriate contact with a 4-year-old girl on Wednesday, June 8, in an incident that took place at a playground near the church, located at 5800 Backlick Road, across the street from Lynbrook Elementary School. Police arrested Arteaga at his home, on Craig Street in Springfield, and he is currently being held without bond.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the arrest of Pastor Arteaga and of the incident of which he is accused. Sexual molestation of children is a crime and we have no tolerance for sexual abuse or misconduct of any kind," said St. Mark's senior pastor Michael Taylor in a statement released on Tuesday, June 14.