By David Smiley
Miami Herald
February 11, 2009
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/breaking-news/story/898915.html
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| Felipe Arroyo, pastor of Church of Christ Gethsemane in Davie, is accused of molesting at least two girls during the past six years. |
The pastor of a Davie church was arrested Tuesday on charges that he repeatedly fondled and molested two members of his congregation, police said.
Felipe Arroyo, the 37-year-old pastor of Church of Christ Gethsemane, has been involved in a continuing pattern of abuse dating back at least two years, according to police spokesman Lt. Scott Pardon.
Police first learned of the alleged abuse when the parents of one of Arroyo's reported victims went to the Hollywood police station Saturday to report that their daughter had been molested by Arroyo numerous times since January 2007.
They told police that Arroyo touched the 13-year-old's breasts through her clothing and would kiss her neck and tell her how pretty she was, according to an affidavit filed by Officer Chris Christianson.
They also told police that, in one instance, Arroyo took their daughter to a movie theater at 7001 Taft St. and, while in the company of his wife, put his hand inside her shirt and her pants.
The parents, whom The Miami Herald is not identifying, said Arroyo called them and begged for forgiveness.
On Tuesday, a woman who is now 21 told police that Arroyo molested her when she was 16.
She said he would pick her up from her home and while on the way to the church, which at the time was in Hollywood at 6225 Johnson St., would touch her breasts. She said this happened more than 50 times. The church is now located at 4101 SW 61st Ave. in Davie.
The Broward Sheriff's Office is investigating whether the girl's sister was also molested by Arroyo, according to the affidavit.
Arroyo was arrested Tuesday and booked into Broward County's main jail on $54,000 bail. He has been charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor and four counts of battery of a minor.
Hollywood police believe Arroyo may have more victims.
Anyone with information about Arroyo should call Christianson at 954-967-4411 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
Contact: dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
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