|
Updated: 7:45 AM Aug 13, 2008
East Tennessee youth-minister couple accused of sex with kids
A Maryville church has closed it's doors indefinitely after a married couple, who are youth ministers at the church, are charged with sex crimes.
Posted: 6:12 PM Aug 12, 2008 |
Laura Lee Click Salazar, 35, and Michael Salazar, 35 (Photos Courtesy: Blount County Sheriff's Office)
|
Maryville (WVLT) - It's a crime you hate to hear about. Your children violated at church where they're supposed to be the safest.
Two married youth leaders are accused of raping teenage girls. Police tell us there could be even more victims.
A sign on the door of the Lord's Disciples Church on Old Knoxville Highway in Maryville tells visitors all services and activities are canceled until further notice. This after two of their youth ministers are charged with eight counts of sexual battery and rape with 15 year old girls.
"It's even more disturbing cause it's right here at home," Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said.
Chief crisp says last tuesday, three teens, their parents and a youth pastor came to police alleging sexual misconduct by church youth leaders Michael and Laura Salazar, both 35 years old, of Wrights Road in Louisville. After extensive interviews, police say four teens claim they allegedly took part in sex acts with the Salazars dating back to September 2007.
"When these types of crimes happen against children they're reluctant to talk about it," Crisp said. "We're proud of the courage they've presented and come forward and talked."
We briefly spoke to the pastor today outside the church. He says they're not trying to hide anything, they're just trying to figure out what's going on, but in the meantime services are canceled and police believe there may be more victims out there.
"We feel strongly about the evidence and anticipate there will be additional charges," Crisp said.
In the meantime, the Salazars are behind bars at Blount County jail.
The Salazars are set to appear in Blount County Sessions Court Friday at 9 a.m.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A Maryville church has closed it's doors indefinitely after a married couple, who are youth ministers at the church, are charged with sex crimes.
Michael Salazar, 35, is charged with three counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, and three counts of statutory rape by an authority figure.
Laura Lee Click Salazar, 35, is charged with one count of sexual battery by an authority figure, and one count of statutory rape by an authority figure.
Maryville Police Cheif Tony Crisp says this investigation began on Aug. 15 when three teen girls, their parents, and their youth pastor, accused the Salazar's of sexual misconduct.
That's when officials conducted an official investigation interviewing four teenage girls who say the Salazars took part in individual sex acts beginning in September 2007.
At the church, there is a note on the door saying they're closed until further notice.
Pastor Keith Briefly says his church is very hurt by this event.
Police Chief Crisp says the case is under investigation.
Chief Crisp says there may be more victims, and he is asking for them to come forward.
"Certainly it is sickening and troubling that this is going on anywhere, and especially in our neighborhood. it's even more disturbing, right here at home, but we've done a very diligent investigation."
Michael Salazar's bond is set for $300,000, Laura Lee Click Salazar's bond is set for $100,000.
Latest Comments
To the people who say these girls are lying you are disgusting. You may think you know someone, but they can be completely evil. It's called MANIPULATION! These young girls were lied to, deceived, and abused! What makes it worse is these are people who should have been trusted. As for the pastor and the church, they are the one who held a fundraiser to BAIL AN ACCUSED CHILD MOLESTER/RAPIST OUT OF JAIL! Shame on you! All those involved will be judged in the end. I'm sure Pretty Boy Ace will have fun if he is ever placed in general population...
ya know it was not right for that to happen it makes me mad but then i feel sorry for the ones who done these things.that sexual demonic spirit is breaking down homes churches and families all over america.it is sad that these things happen in the church.we as believers should not judge them but pray for them that god would deliver them from the darkness and back into the light..satan and his army is out to destroy all especially us believers.that demonic spirit of sexual sin is a plague. it makes the whole temple sick.we must ask our father to circumcise our hearts and purify our hearts so that we will not be shackeled and chained by that sin of sexual immorality.. god bless all and i am very sorry for the teens who have been exposed to something that they never should have been exposed to i will pray for all
I know these evil people. They are the devil personified their families are too. I knew this would happen one day.This is so not the first time but now they are finally going to pay . And they will really pay for all eternity, thankfully. My heart goes out to these families.Also I know of several others who need to come foward its not to late I hope you hear me Chatt. and Va.Im so lucky to have gotten them out of my life years ago .
- Still more cats found in condemned Knox Co. home, dogs up for adoption
26 Comments - Family speaks out about 10-million dollar lawsuit against trooper
16 Comments - Trooper involved in fatal chase attends Nashville hearing
8 Comments - Knox Co. bus driver found with knife, arrested for assault
7 Comments - Sheriff: Facebook spat led to shooting deaths
6 Comments - Remains identified as Knoxville woman missing since 2005
2 Comments
| Powered: Local.com |
| Popular Searches |
- .DJI
- 12801.23
- -89.23
- -0.69%
- .INX
- 1342.64
- -9.31
- -0.69%
- .IXIC
- 2903.88
- -23.35
- -0.80%
- NYA
- 7992.03
- -89.22
- -1.10%
Quotes updated every 15 minutes



