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Investigation Continues Into Venice Pastor's Alleged Sexual Molestation of 14-Year-Old Girl
Photo by el daverino via the LAist Featured Photos pool
Police are continuing to investigate a youth pastor in Venice who was charged Friday with the sexual molestation of a 14-year-old girl, according to a news conference held by the LAPD this morning. Demetrius Darnell Allen, 28, allegedly had a year-long relationship with the girl, who was a parishioner at First Baptist Church in Venice. He's being charged with ten counts of lewd act on a child, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of contacting a minor for sexual offense.
Detective Michael Brox from the LAPD's Devonshire division said this morning that the abuse did not take place in Venice, but rather in the Grenada Hills area, where Allen lives.
Brox described Allen's alleged actions as taking advantage of the kids in his care. "The youth have a tendency to look up to adults," he said.
Police are now investigating the extent of Allen's alleged actions. "We do believe there are other victims," said Brox.
Allen is now being held on $1 million bail, which Brox explains is in part because officials believe he poses a danger to the community.
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