An Arizona pastor has been charged with multiple sex crimes after being accused of molesting a 16-year-old female member of his church who had been meeting with the pastor for grief counseling following the death of her brother.
Editor’s note: This article refers to disturbing reports of child sex abuse that some readers might find triggering.
Stanley Jay, 61, of Worship Life Center Church in Mesa is being held on a $200,000 bond.
Jay was arrested last week after Jay’s wife told a church member in May that she discovered explicit text messages between Jay and the alleged victim. The church member subsequently reported Jay to the police.
RELATED: Jason Yates, Former CEO of My Faith Votes, Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material
The victim’s family had been active members of Worship Life Center Church and said in court documents that they were friends with Jay.
The 16-year-old girl said that when she met with Jay for counseling following the death of her brother, Jay touched her over her clothes.
The girl said that contact escalated in subsequent meetings and that Jay asked her in text messages to send him nude photos of herself. While the girl reported feeling disgusted by the request, she felt compelled to comply.
Jay allegedly sent back a lewd video of himself.
RELATED: 22-Year-Old Southern Baptist Pastor Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct With a Minor
The victim also stated that she feared her mother learning about the messages. She said that Jay asked her to “pinky promise” not to tell anyone.
