Assistant pastor charged with statutory rape

THE FULL STORY (ONLY ON CVP): The assistant pastor of a North Jersey church was arrested and charged with statutory rape for having intercourse with a minor six years ago, authorities said. She was 15 at the time and hadn’t had sex before, a law enforcement source told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

Jerry DeMarco

12/01/2009 10:37 p.m.

Curtis Franklin, who is married to the pastor’s daughter, befriended the youngster while he a volunteer with the youth ministry at the Mahwah Full Gospel Church, where he is now the assistant pastor, said Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli.

Curtis Franklin

The girl confided in someone who convinced her to come forward yesterday, the source said.

The incidents occurred at least three times in 2003, authorities said.

Investigators said they arrested Franklin, 44, after questioning him at their offices this afternoon. He has a court appearance scheduled tonight in Mahwah.

After that, Franklin is expected to be held on $75,000 bail at the Bergen County Jail, charged with sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and endangerment.

What is statutory rape? Click here: It’s still rape

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