Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting Children at Salvation Army Church Pleads Guilty

ABC News 4
November 16, 2017

http://abcnews4.com/news/crime-news/man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-children-at-salvation-army-church-expected-in-court

Armando Gonzalez

Armando Gonzalez pleaded guilty to 2 charges: lewd act w/ minor; criminal sexual conduct w/ minor 3rd degree.

-- This story is being updated --

Attorneys say a former Lowcountry Sunday school teacher is expected in court today. We’re told Armando Gonzalez will plead guilty to sexually abusing children.

The hearing was scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Police say Gonzalez sexually abused children in 2010 and 2015. They say he and his wife were involved with a Salvation Army child care center in West Ashley.

Attorneys for the victims argue Salvation Army employees didn’t perform a proper background check on Gonzalez. They say employees should have discovered a history of abuse and never let him in the door.

The Salvation Army said they immediately banned Gonzalez when they learned of the history of abuse. The organization has also argued Gonzalez was a member of the church, but never employed as a Sunday school teacher or child care provider, as alleged by attorneys involved in lawsuits.

In March of this year, attorneys representing the families of the children filed negligence lawsuits against the Salvation Army.

Check back with ABC News 4 as we continue to follow this story.