Editor's note: This story was updated later in the day after its posting March 25.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (ABP) — A former American Baptist youth minister who entered and then withdrew a guilty plea for sending nude photos to a 15-year-old girl he was counseling has been convicted of sexual assault.
The Connecticut Post reported that a jury of three men and three women deliberated four hours March 24 before finding David Esarey guilty of second-degree sexual assault, promoting a minor in an obscene performance, possession of child pornography and risk of injury to a minor.
Esarey, who was 30 at the time of his arrest in November 2008, had been youth minister for about three years at Stepney Baptist Church in Monroe, Conn., when a fellow church member accidentally found a nude photo of the girl while using Esarey's church computer.
Esarey initially denied all allegations, suggesting that some youth in the church might have used his computer and cell phone without his knowledge. Later, he admitted sending sexually explicit e-mails to the girl and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of risk of injury to a minor in January 2009.
The girl, who is now 17, said in the beginning that the two talked about having sex but did not have any physical contact except for an occasional hug. During the two-week trial, however, she testified that they performed sexual acts in a storage area of the church and at Esarey's apartment behind the church.
Esarey's lawyer contended in her final argument the girl lied about sexual contact with the defendant. Esarey did not take the stand. His sentencing is scheduled May 14.
Kevin Merritt, pastor of Stepney Baptist Church, said after charges of physical contact came forth in February 2009, prosecutors withdrew an offer of a plea bargain without prison time and increased the number of felony charges from three to six. Esarey was allowed to withdraw his guilty plea and offered another plea bargain with minimal prison time but opted to go to trial.
Stepney Baptist Church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut.
"Regarding the verdict, we do feel that justice has been served but take no delight in the outcome," Merritt said. "We are deeply saddened by this whole event. Our priority has always been to care for the victim in this situation, who has healed and grown tremendously since everything came to light. Our heart and prayers go out to Mr. Esarey and his family as they try to move forward at this very difficult moment."
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Bob Allen is senior writer for Associated Baptist Press.