(FL)
ABC 7 [Sarasota, FL]
July 11, 2024
By Bailey Striepling
A pastor at a Weeki Wachee church was accused of sexually battering a teenage family member, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said in a release Thursday.
The girl told deputies that 55-year-old William Martinez gave her a THC gummy and a drink that tasted “funny” before touching her inappropriately and forcing her to touch him, the report states.
An out-of-state family member reportedly contacted the sheriff’s office in reference to the alleged sexual battery that occurred a day prior at a home in Brooksville.
Martinez, a pastor at Kingdom of Hope Ministries in Weeki Wachee, denied all of the allegations.
During the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in Brooksville where forensic evidence was collected. Blood and urine tests, submitted by the victim, showed the presence of alcohol and THC.
Following questioning, Martinez was arrested on two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Behavior of a Victim over 12, and less than 16 and two counts of Sexual Battery Familial/Custodial of a Victim over 12, and less than 16.
Martinez was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
If you have information on this case, please contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip at www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash.