Church Pastor Charged with Molestation

10 News
April 6, 2014

http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/crime/2014/04/04/church-pastor-molestation-casa-de-amor/7334585/

Brandon, Florida- The church congregation arrived en mass. The assistant pastor identified herself, and we asked for comment.

"Not at this time," she said.

As they walked in, none of the members said a word about Francisco Rios, pastor of Case de Amor, a name which means House of Love in Spanish.

It's an ironic name, considering the charges Rios is facing and was arrested for Friday. Police say since 2011, Rios repeatedly touched a 17-year-old girl inappropriately, and told her it was because he loved her as a pastor.

RELATED: Brandon pastor arrested for molesting three women

He's also accused of touching a 12-year-old-girl, and then an adult female, telling her it was to cure a medical condition.

The response to that allegation was swift.

"It's a lie. I'll be a witness para ti," said a member as he walked into the church.

It was the same reaction 10 News got earlier at the church from Rios' wife.

"I know it's not true," she said.

SEE ALSO: Wife, neighbors react to pastor's molestation charges

But when we pressed, she closed the door and locked it.

Friday night, the 7:30 mass started later than scheduled, and the congregation kept a wary eye on our 10 News camera waiting just outside the door.

Rios was charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, and was held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.