Peoples Church of Fresno Reports Sexual Abuse Allegation

By Carmen George
The Fresno Bee
September 5, 2014

http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/09/05/4106618_peoples-church-in-fresno-reports.html?rh=1

A former employee of Peoples Church of Fresno was jailed Wednesday night for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl who volunteered for the church.

Casey Ogden allegedly molested the girl in 2011 on church property, Fresno Police Deputy Chief Pat Farmer said Friday.

Ogden, who was 24 at the time of the alleged assault, was arrested on suspicion of having sex with a minor under the age of 16, Farmer said. Ogden remained in Fresno County Jail on Friday evening, with bail set at $50,000. Ogden didn't have a prior criminal history, Farmer said.

Church leaders said Ogden worked as a part-time technical director from August 2009 to May 2012 and was never part of the pastoral staff.

The girl, who was not named, talked about the incident on Aug. 20 with her parents, who promptly alerted the church. Church leaders said they reported the alleged abuse to authorities on Aug. 21.

Ogden was arrested around 9 p.m. Wednesday at his home in northeast Fresno.

Farmer said Ogden and the girl remained friends for the past several years, but authorities are only aware of one alleged sexual encounter between them.

"This appears to be an isolated incident and we have no indication that there are any other victims associated with Ogden or with Peoples," said Farmer, who added the church has been "very cooperative and transparent" with the police investigation.

Michael Tatham, church council president, said "this is the first and only complaint received by the church concerning Mr. Ogden."

Tatham said the church is also conducting an internal investigation.

The reporter can be reached at (559) 441-6386, cgeorge@fresnobee.com or @CarmenGeorge on Twitter.