By Mike Sakal
East Valley Tribune
September 15, 2009
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/144421
A 25-year-old youth pastor from a Tempe church has been arrested after admitting to officers he engaged in sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl at least three times over the last two months, according to Chandler police.
Joshua O'Bannion of Gilbert, who was working as an intern at Christ Life Church, 1137 E. Warner Road, was arrested at his home on Sept. 9 on suspicion of sexual conduct with a minor and sexual abuse, according to the Chandler Police Department.
That day, the 14-year-old girl disclosed that she had sex with her youth minister on three separate occasions in July and August, police said.
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| Joshua O’Bannion |
The victim lives in Chandler, which is where the incidents happened, according to Detective Frank Mendoza, a spokesman for Chandler police.
While being interviewed by police, O'Bannion admitted to the incidents, Mendoza said.
"The victim came forward with the allegations, we looked into them and, after interviewing him, we booked him," Mendoza said.
Mendoza also said that the investigation is ongoing, and investigators are trying to determine whether there are any other victims.
A woman who answered the phone at the church on Tuesday and told the Tribune she was a staff member said O'Bannion was not a full-time staff member at the church.
She refused to say whether O'Bannion was still employed by the church. Joey Hamby, an attorney representing the church, was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.
However, Hamby's office released a statement that said O'Bannion has served as an intern in the church's youth department for about six months.
The church-issued statement also said, "We wish to make it clear that we have not pre-judged this situation. We are not stating an opinion as to whether the allegations are well founded or not. We place the highest priority on the safety and security of our youth and all of our church members."
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation should contact the Chandler Police Department at (480) 782-4130.
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