Youth Pastor Charged with Online Child Sex Crimes, SNAP Responds

SNAP
June 5, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/va_youth_pastor_charged_with_online_child_sex_crimes_snap_responds

A Virginia youth pastor was arrested for allegedly sexually soliciting a minor online. We are glad law enforcement stopped this dangerous predator.

[wtvr.com]

Deric Wallace Peacock was the youth pastor at Church of God South Hopewell since January 2013. We are grateful that undercover law enforcement officers were the ones Peacock was soliciting, but are worried that there might be real victims suffering in silence and self-blame. (Peacock and his wife reportedly were foster parents.)

We urge law enforcement to urgently investigate whether Peacock sexually assault any children that may have been in his care or at his church. Church officials should publicly disclose that Peacock has been arrested and beg anyone who saw, suspected, or suffered child sex crimes to come forward, call law enforcement and start healing.

Transparency about child predators is one of the best ways to keep kids safe.