MONROE, Conn. (ABP) — An American Baptist youth minister in Connecticut was arrested on child-pornography charges after a nude photo of a 15-year-old girl he was counseling was found on his church computer.
David Esarey, 30, was arraigned Nov. 5 on charges of employing a minor in an obscene performance, third-degree child pornography and risk of injury to a minor. Media reports identified him as youth minister at Stepney Baptist Church in Monroe, Conn.
Kevin Merritt, the church's senior pastor, said as soon as police filed the complaint, Esarey was relieved of all responsibilities and placed on administrative leave. "At this point, he is no longer employed by the church," Merritt said. He said the church would not comment on the case.
Esarey's arrest followed an investigation launched in August after a church member using his computer at the church accidentally stumbled on the photo while looking for youth group photos. The church member notified Merritt, who in turn notified the girl's mother.
After the mother questioned her daughter about it, the daughter reportedly said she put the photo on the computer herself as a dare. Police said the mother later found several sexually explicit emails between Esarey and the girl. Police said the two discussed having sex, but they didn't touch except for an occasional hug.
Esarey, who is married, admitted to police he had counseled the girl privately but denied emailing her any photos. He said a number of male teenagers were interested in the girl, and they may have used his computer and cell phone to send her messages.
"My client maintains his innocence and we intend to vigorously defend him against these false allegations," Esarey's attorney said, according to the Connecticut Post.
Esarey joined the staff of Stepney Baptist Church in June 2005. The church is affiliated with American Baptist Churches of Connecticut.
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