UTAH
The Salt Lake Tribune
By Nate Carlisle
The Salt Lake Tribune
A Washington County pastor and child care worker admitted to police he fondled, kissed and was sexually attracted to an 11-year-old girl, according to charges filed Wednesday in 5th District Court.
Gabriel E. Carlin, 32, was charged with four counts of aggravated child sex abuse, a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison. St. George police say the abuse occurred when Carlin, a teacher and pastor at East Harbor Christian Academy in the town of Washington, earlier this year gave an 11-year-old student a ride to her home in St. George.
At the girl's home, Carlin asked to see her bedroom, said St. George Police Department spokesman Craig Harding. In the bedroom, Carlin touched the 11-year-old in inappropriate places outside her clothing, Harding said.
The girl then made excuses about needing to do work and Carlin left, Harding said. The child later told her parents what occurred and the parents went to police.