RUSHVILLE, Ind. -- A 72-year-old pastor in Rush County is accused of molesting multiple young children in his congregation.
Garry Evans, Pastor of the Rushville Baptist Temple was arrested Wednesday evening during a traffic stop.
According to court documents, the investigation began after a 3-year-old child who attends the church told her mother that Evans had taken her into his office to give her candy then "pulled his pants down" and made her touch his genitals.
Shortly after the investigation began another mother came forward saying her 7-year-old and 5-year-olds claimed they had also been touched by the pastor. Both girls told investigators that "The Pastor" gives the kids candy when they go into his office alone and touches them or makes them touch him. The youngest girl told investigators that it started happening after she began kindergarten in August.
And another mother with two young girls at the church also came forward with a similar story.
"There was another woman who came forward and said she had been victimized by the pastor of this church, Garry Evans, some 30 years ago in another community," said Rushville Police Chief Craig Tucker.
That woman helped police pursue the new cases, but it is unclear if charges can be sought in hers.
"It's awful," said Melinda Albert, who attended the church in the past. "I feel bad for the children whoever is involved in it. It's bad."
Evans is charged with three counts of child molestation, four counts of sexual battery and five counts of child solicitation. His initial hearing was Thursday afternoon and he is out on bond.
His next court date is scheduled for November 28.
Chief Tucker said any parent who has suspicions about their child in relationship to Evans should contact the Rushville Police Department or their local authorities.
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