Youth Pastor Accused of Sexually Assaulting 15-year-old Girl

WPXI
October 22, 2015

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/youth-pastor-accused-sexually-assaulting-15-year-o/nn7kX/

A former youth pastor is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl who was a member of a church youth group.

David Pesci, 24, was the youth pastor at East Brady Baptist Church until he resigned in July.

Police told Channel 11’s Jennifer Tomazic the allegations came to light when they received an anonymous tip about inappropriate activity during youth group sleepovers at the pastor’s home.

The alleged victim, who is now 16 years old, told investigators the relationship began last November when she went to Pesci for advice. She was 15-years-old at the time.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl told police, "She was in the basement and went to a separate couch to go to sleep and Pesci then came over to her and kissed her."

The paperwork goes on to say, "The kissing continued...she could recall Pesci kissing her on two separate occasions in the church, near the pulpit."

Police said the inappropriate relationship lasted until August.

East Brady Baptist Church officials posted a statement on their website:

“We at East Brady Baptist Church are saddened by the allegations involving our former youth pastor and are deeply grieved by even the thought of anyone being harmed in association with our ministry.”

Pesci was arrested Monday and charged with sexual assault by a volunteer and corruption of minors.