Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Young Girl at Cheektowaga Church

By Antoinette DelBel
Time Warner Cable News
October 3, 2014

http://buffalo.twcnews.com/content/news/774236/man-accused-of-sexually-abusing-young-girl-at-cheektowaga-church/

Churches are seen as a safe haven for many, but behind the walls of Hedstrom Baptist Church in Cheektowaga, police said there were some troubling incidents involving a then-12-year-old girl and 26-year-old man.

"It was something that’s very disturbing," said Cheektowaga Assistant Police Chief Jim Speyer.

During the summer of 2013, Speyer said Caleb Sexton, 27, had sexual contact with the apparent victim. Police said the abuse went on for about four months in a secluded part of the church.

The girl eventually confided in her mother, which led to Sexton's arrest last Friday.

"She suspected a while ago that there was something that didn't seem right," said Speyer. "She's innocent and for him to prey on her is just criminal."

Sexton is charged with criminal sexual act, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police said the two met at church, and then developed a relationship through Facebook.

"There were some chats back and forth and eventually, this individual developed and victimized this young girl," said Speyer.

Sexton's father, Doug Sexton, who's also a pastor at Hedstrom, said the allegations against his son are not true. He would not speak with Time Warner Cable News on camera, but paints a very different picture, and said nothing of that nature involving his son happened at the church.

According to Sexton's father, his son has volunteered at the church for more than a decade, and has an elementary education degree.

Sexton also volunteered as the men's soccer coach at West Seneca Christian School, where the victim used to be a student. Shortly after his arrest, a letter was sent home to parents assuring them Sexton was removed from his coaching position.

Police are urging anyone who may be experiencing sexual abuse to speak up.

"He took advantage of trust and preyed on a 12-year-old girl,” said Speyer. “We want to make sure that doesn't happen to anybody else."

Sexton is due back in Cheektowaga Town Court in November.

Police are asking anyone with more information to call the Cheektowaga police detective Bureau at (716) 686-3970.