A California pastor was arrested earlier this week following accusations that he sexually abused a 13-year-old girl.
Martin Richter, 48, a pastor with congregations in both Big Bear City and Glendale, was charged with lewd acts with a child and two counts of attempted lewd acts with a child.
A spokeswoman with the sheriff's department has declined to comment on whether the victim was a member of either of Richter's congregations.
The sexual abuse allegedly occurred in 2008, around the time Martin was set to retire as a pastor. It's unclear whether the victim came forward and reported the abuse, or if detectives were alerted to the situation some other way.
Martin is currently being held in police custody on 350,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been set for February 16.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims, and are urging anyone with information or anyone who might have been sexually abused by Martin to contact detectives by calling (909) 866-0100.
If you have been sexually abused by a pastor, priest, rabbi, or any other clergyman, you are not alone. At Zalkin Law Firm, we understand clergy abuse is a very traumatic experience, and are committed to helping victims of clergy abuse from across the U.S. seek justice by taking legal action. If you are interested in arranging a consultation with an experienced clergy abuse lawyer to discuss your case, please contact the Zalkin Law Firm today by calling (800) 724-3235.
