Missouri State Police said they arrested a 25-year-old woman. Sexual Abuse A 13-year-old girl I met while attending church.
St. Louis County police said they were notified of the suspected abuse by the victim's mother, who read her daughter's diary and contacted police.
“Her relationship with the alleged victim occurred outside of the church.”
Police identified the suspect as Brandi James and had her held at the County Justice Center on $300,000 bail. She is charged with one count of child sexual abuse and two counts of statutory rape or attempted statutory rape.
The investigation uncovered cellphone messages that appeared to support police allegations that James engaged in sexual acts with a child on at least two occasions, and the victim reportedly spoke to police about the incidents.
Police believe James met the child while attending House of Deliverance church in Bridgeton.
In a statement, the church's senior pastor clarified that James had never worked or volunteered for the church in any capacity.
“Brandi James is not currently or has ever been an employee or leader of House of Deliverance Church,” Pastor Eric Battle said. “Her relationship with the alleged victim is in no way related to the church and occurred outside of the church. All church employees and volunteers are required to submit to and pass criminal background checks, and the church is willing to cooperate with the investigation in any way we are able to.”
However, he confirmed that James was a member of the church.
Police have released an arrest warrant photo of the suspect in hopes of getting the public's help in identifying any other victims.
Photos of the church and the suspect's arrest warrant are News report from KTVI-TV On YouTube.
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