A pastor at a Ohio church has been charged with a sex crime involving a minor.
Cesar Guerrero, 38, a pastor at Misión Cristiana El Calvario in Sharonville, Ohio, has been charged with three counts of sexual battery stemming from an incident that occurred on August 5, according to court documents.
The man is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a 17-year-old girl who is a member of his church. According to jail records, “multiple females” have made sexual abuse accusations against him.
“Guerrero is considered a prophet of God as the Pastor of his church,” an affidavit states.
Police said he used this position to influence a girl into believing that the word of God said she “needed to be cleansed from being molested as a child,” the affidavit states.
Court documents state Guerrero met the girl alone in his office and “used bible scripture and prayers to cleanse her” while sex acts were performed.
He told the victim that “God was talking to him and it was necessary,” documents said.
‘It was shocking behavior’: Thorbjorn Olesen charged with sexual assault, suspended by European Tour
Guerrero appeared in court Thursday with a Spanish translator before Judge William Mallory but told the court he spoke English.
In addition to the sexual battery charges, police said Guerrero is facing federal child pornography charges. Mallory also confirmed pending federal charges at Guerrero’s arraignment.
Police said he had plans to leave for Guatemala and “will leave the country if released.”
While discussing bond for Guerrero, Mallory told his lawyers, “You realize I’m going to hold him.”
His lawyer requested a reasonable bond anyway saying he was not a flight risk.
“I can’t do that,” Mallory said.
Guerrero is being held on a $300,000 bond.
.USA TODAY