A Sanford pastor, identified as Yersson David Solarte Basto, has been put under arrest, charged with sexual battery and the molestation of two underage girls, as detailed by the Sanford Police Department. WFTV reported that the incidents occurred at Ipul Pentecostal Church, where the victims were congregants and Solarte served as pastor.
Following an April 10 report of an inappropriate relationship, authorities said that Solarte, who was on a family trip out of state, was arrested by the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia on Wednesday, according to WESH. Investigators suggest that, given Solarte's position, there might be more victims who have yet to come forward.
"People like this are a special class of criminal who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims," Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith was quoted in the Orlando Sentinel. "Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs." The case is still open, and the police are urging anyone with information to reach out to protect potential or undisclosed victims.
