DeWine announces arrest of Gallia County pastor

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has announced the arrest of a Gallia County pastor on one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. 

Agents with the Crimes Against Children Unit, which is part of the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted deputies with the Gallia County Sheriff's Office in the arrest of David Young yesterday afternoon.

Investigators took Young into custody at the Simpson Chapel United Methodist Church in Rio Grande, Ohio, where he is the pastor.

Young is accused of sexually assaulting a teenager between the ages of 13 and 14 who was part of a class he taught through the church.

"These allegations are extremely distressing because Ohioans should be able to trust people in positions of authority," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "We will go to all lengths necessary to hold those who commit crimes against children accountable."

Those with the office of Gallia County Prosecutor Jeff Adkins officially filed the felony charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor against the suspect this afternoon. The case will now proceed to a grand jury for further review.

Authorities are not commenting on the frequency of the alleged abuse or the locations where the incidents may have taken place. Investigators, however, are warning the community that there could be other victims.

[[In-content Ad]]"These are very serious allegations, and we urge anyone with additional information to come forward," said Gallia County Sheriff Joseph Browning. "We are thankful to the Attorney General and the agents with Bureau of Criminal Investigation who quickly took action to help us investigate these allegations of abuse."

Young is currently in the Gallia County Jail.

Anyone with additional information regarding Young can contact the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or the Gallia County Sheriff's Office at 740-446-1221.