BENTONVILLE (AR)
5 News [Fort Smith, AR]
February 26, 2025
By Spencer Bailey
Calvary Church Lead Pastor Chantry Dean said that the church is committed to supporting the victims and enhancing security.
The pastor of a Bentonville church where multiple sexual assaults allegedly took place at the hands of a former volunteer has released a statement addressing the situation and vowing to enhance training requirements.
Andrew Apple, 27, was arrested on Feb. 21 by the Bentonville Police Department and is accused of rape, second-degree sexual assault, and sexual indecency with a child.
Court documents filed days later revealed that Apple was a volunteer at a Bentonville church, and that incidents of alleged rape, sexual assault, and inappropriate touching occurred between Apple and multiple children over the span of years on church grounds.
The church that Apple volunteered at was not identified in court documents. However, the pastor at Calvary Church in Bentonville has since confirmed that Apple was a youth volunteer there when the allegations came to light.
Calvary Church Lead Pastor Chantry Dean said he first shared the statement with his congregation on Wednesday evening, sharing it with 5NEWS later that night.
The statement confirms that around three or four years ago, when the incidents allegedly took place, Apple was serving as the church’s media coordinator.
He later became a volunteer youth mentor in January 2024, remaining in the role until Feb. 1, 2025, when the church became aware of the allegations and removed him, according to the statement.
“We have fully cooperated with law enforcement from the outset and will continue to do so. Our priority is to support the victims and ensure the safety and well-being of our entire church community,” the statement said. “We encourage all parents to have open conversations with their children and reach out if any concerns arise.”
Dean said that the church takes the matter with “utmost seriousness” and that abuse is not tolerated in any form.
“We are heartbroken that this has happened within our community and grieve deeply with those who have been affected,” the statement said.
Dean added that while the church has required background checks and child safety training for people working in children’s and youth ministries, this situation has brought them to enhance the church’s policies.
“We are enhancing our policies and strengthening our training requirements to extend to all individuals serving in any capacity within our church,” the statement said.
According to Dean’s statement those enhancements include mandatory, expanded child safety training and increased security measures, including “updated and expanded security camera coverage to enhance monitoring and protection.”
Dean said that anyone with information relevant to the case was encouraged to call Detective Quincy Hansen at 479-254-2048.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the alleged victims, their families, and our church family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We ask for your continued prayers for healing and wisdom as we navigate this painful moment together.”
More on Apple’s arrest and the details of the cases he is named in can be found here.