A pastor and two elderly men have been arrested for sexually abusing children at a Florida church for decades.
The suspects, named as Pastor Paul Dyal, 78, Jerome Teschendorf, 68, and Vernon Williamson, 85, are accused of sexually abusing minors as far back as the 1980s.
The police said they obtained a search warrant for the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ Church in the city of Jacksonville in Duval County in the US state of Florida on 9th March, and an arrest warrant for the pastor at the location.
The police said the alleged abuse goes back nearly 40 years.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shared images of the suspects on social media on 10th March with the message: “In September 2020, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit received a tip regarding possible sexual abuse occurring within the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ Church located at 6350 Old Kings Road North.
“The investigation revealed both long-term sexual and physical abuse of minors in the church spanning a period of over 30 years.
“As a result of the investigation, on Wednesday, March 09, 2022, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office served both a search warrant of the church and an arrest warrant for the Pastor, Paul Dyal.
“While investigators were on-site, additional arrest warrants were being served in Oklahoma.”
The police continued: “Currently, the following suspects have been arrested in connection with this investigation:
“Paul Dyal, White Male, 78 years old; Arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Charged with Capital Sexual Battery (victim 11 years of age or younger).
“Jerome Teschendorf, White Male, 68 years old; Arrested in Newalla, Oklahoma and Charged with Capital Sexual Battery.
“Vernon Williamson, White Male, 85 years old; Arrested in Ardmore, Oklahoma and Charged with Capital Sexual Battery.”
The police added: “It should be noted that through the course of the investigation we have identified and spoken to numerous victims and witnesses. As a result, Investigators believe there are additional suspects involved in the reported crimes.
“This long-term investigation was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Marshals, State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office believes there is a potential for additional victims and witnesses. We are asking that anyone who feels they have information regarding these incidents to please contact (us).”
A 50-year-old woman told local media that she was abused between the ages of five and 14 while another victim said that she was just seven years old.
The investigation is ongoing.
