Coach, Ex-Youth Pastor Charged with Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Boy

By Jennifer Todd
Lancaster Online
December 4, 2013

http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/926971_Coach--ex-youth-pastor-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-13-year-old-boy.html

Jonathan Masteller

A Pequea Valley Junior High School basketball coach and former youth pastor has been charged with the repeated sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy.

Officials also charged Jonathan D. Masteller, 23, of Kinzer Road, Kinzers, with having images and videos on his computer depicting child pornography.

He was arraigned Tuesday by District Judge B. Denise Commins and committed to Lancaster County Prison after failing to post $250,000 bail.

Masteller is the junior high head boys' basketball coach at Pequea Vallley, according to the district's website.

On social media sites, Masteller also identified himself as being employed by Pequea Valley as an assistant in a third-grade emotional support classroom.

Pequea Valley Superintendent Erik Orndorff said Tuesday night that district officials became aware of Masteller's arrest Tuesday morning and said he has been suspended indefinitely.

Orndorff said Masteller was hired just two weeks ago and passed all routine security checks. He also is a substitute teacher, Orndorff said.

Masteller also was a youth pastor at Gap Community Church. Officials there released the following statement:

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the charges filed against Jonathan Masteller. Mr. Masteller is no longer employed nor has any official responsibilities at Gap Community Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by Mr. Masteller's actions. As this is an on-going criminal matter, the Church will not be making any further comments."

State police said Masteller had sexual contact with the teen on at least six occasions between September and Sunday.

Authorities said in a press release that the alleged incidents occurred on Kinzer Road but it wasn't clear if they happened at Masteller's home.

Trooper Linda Gerow filed charges Monday and Masteller was arrested at his home Tuesday.

He is charged with four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, three counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual abuse of children and one count each of aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors and unlawful contact.

It was not clear how authorities became aware of the alleged incidents or how Masteller knew the boy.

Contact: jtodd@lnpnews.com