CBS 4
February 11, 2009
http://cbs4.com/local/felipe.arroyo.davie.2.932417.html
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| Felipe Arroyo |
A Davie pastor has been charged with molestation of two minors and police believe there may be other victims out there.
Hollywood police Lt. Scott Pardon said Felipe Arroyo, 37, was arrested Tuesday and charged with five counts of 'lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor'.
The incidents allegedly occurred from January 2007 to December 2008. Pardon added that investigators believe there was a continuing pattern of abuse and there may be more victims out there. Arroyo was also charged with four counts of battery of a minor dating back to an incident in 2002.
Arroyo is the pastor of the Church of Christ Gethsemane where he used to hold services in Hollywood but recently moved to the town of Davie.
According to the police department's probable cause affidavit, the acts of molestation occurred after the victim's family moved in with Arroyo. In the following months, Arroyo allegedly touched the girl's breasts through her clothes and kissed her on a number of occasions; one time in a darkened movie theater with his own wife sitting near by.
"He was seated in the movie theatre with the victim as well as his wife," said Lt. Pardon. "He reached over during the movie and inappropriately touched one of the victims in the movie theatre. "
The girl's parents said at one point Arroyo called them, admitted his acts and begged for forgiveness.
A second woman, who is now 21-years old, said when she was 16 and 17 Arroyo fondled her more than 50 times. The woman's sister was also molested by Arroyo, according to the police report.
This morning, a judge upped his bond to $700-thousand dollars. "You're in fact, a pastor, correct? " asked Broward Circuit Court Judge John Hartley. "Yes," responded Arroyo in a low voice. "I believe that being a pastor," said the judge, "and being involved with children and the fact that this happened several times and they were children who were young women in your care, or custody when this allegedly happened, I believe you represent a danger to the community. "
Anyone with information on Arroyo, or anyone who may have been victimized by him, is asked to call Hollywood Police Investigative Services Section (Detective Chris Christianson) at (954) 967-4411
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