Former Youth Ministries Director Charged With Sex Offense Against Teen During Church Event

NBC Washington
September 7, 2016

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Rockville-Ex-Youth-Director-Charged-With-Sex-Offenses-Involving-Minor-392631741.html

A former youth ministries director at a Rockville church is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl during a youth event at the church.

Brian Patrick Werth, who had worked at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on Montrose Road, was arrested Wednesday morning at his Montgomery Village home.

Montgomery County Police said Child Protective Services notified them late last month that Werth, 32, had inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage parishioner on or about May 20.

Police also said Werth had been texting the girl since summer 2014, and had sent her graphic sexual messages.

Werth is charged with one count of fourth-degree sexual offense, one count of sexual abuse of a minor, and second-degree assault.

He was suspended from his duties at the parish and school when the allegations surfaced and has since been fired, the Archdiocese of Washington said in a statement Wednesday.

"The Archdiocese of Washington takes seriously its responsibility to the children entrusted to its care," the statement continued. "The Child Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Washington mandates criminal background checks, applications and education for all employees and volunteers who work with young people."

Werth had cleared a background check and other requirements, the statement said.

Police said they believe there may be additional victims. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

Complete statement from the Archdiocese of Washington:

Recently, the pastor of St. Elizabeth’s parish in Rockville received a complaint regarding a case of alleged child sex abuse by Mr. Brian P. Werth, the parish’s youth minister. The pastor immediately contacted the Archdiocese of Washington’s Child and Youth Protection Office, which reported the case to Montgomery County law enforcement.

Additionally, in compliance with the Archdiocese of Washington’s Child Protection Policy, Mr. Werth was immediately suspended from his duties at the parish and school; his employment has since been terminated. After an investigation, law enforcement authorities charged Mr. Werth and he was arrested this morning.

Meetings have been scheduled with parish and school staff, and letters are being sent to the parish and school families to brief them on this matter. All have been asked that if anyone has relevant information regarding this matter to please contact the Montgomery County Department of Police Special Victims Investigation Division at 240-773-5400.

The Archdiocese of Washington takes seriously its responsibility to the children entrusted to its care. The Child Protection Policy of the Archdiocese of Washington mandates criminal background checks, applications and education for all employees and volunteers who work with young people. Mr. Werth had cleared the background check and accompanying requirements. The policy also mandates immediate reporting of suspected abuse to the authorities and an employee’s/volunteer’s immediate removal from work or ministry following a credible allegation. This requirement was also met in Mr. Werth’s case.

If at any time you become aware of improper conduct by a person involved in archdiocesan ministry, please contact the director of the archdiocese’s Office of Child and Youth Protection, Courtney Chase, at 301-853-5302.