PALM BAY (FL)
WESH 2 [Orlando, FL]
September 23, 2022
By Scott Heidler
A 42-year-old Palm Bay pastor arrested was due to appear in front of a judge on Friday.
Roberson Douge is facing 20 charges, including 10 counts of lewd and lascivious battery of a minor and 10 counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
But he did not show up for his first appearance at the Brevard County Jail.
His attorney said it was for medical reasons, specifically high blood pressure.
Douge was a pastor at the Apostolic Church of Christ in Palm Bay.
According to the police report, two girls from the church came forward this week and detailed the alleged abuse to the police, saying it occurred inside the church building, in a church van and in the pastor’s office.
According to police, they arranged a call with Douge and one of the girls and recorded it.
Douge allegedly begged for her not to reveal their relationship and apologized during the call.
Douge also owned and operated Tiger Claw Kung Fu, a martial arts studio about 15 minutes away from the church.
Police say there could be more victims out there and urge anyone who has information about additional victims to contact the Palm Bay Police Special Victims Unit at 321-952-3456.