By Bob Allen
An American Baptist pastor in New York state is under arrest on felony charges of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl.
New York State Police arrested Thomas Wilson, 63, of Watertown, N.Y., on one count of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony punishable by two to seven years in prison, and a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child.
In 1996 Wilson was called to Smithville Baptist Church, a 65-member charismatic/evangelical congregation affiliated with American Baptist Churches USA, where he currently is senior pastor.
Local media say the alleged abuse occurred in 2008 with the daughter of a family friend and did not appear to be related to Wilson’s duties at the church.
Wilson was released after posting $2,500 bail pending action by a grand jury.