TULSA, Okla. (AP) — The pastor of an Oklahoma megachurch where five employees reportedly waited two weeks to report the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl is encouraging congregants to speak up about sexual abuse.
The Tulsa World reports Sunday (http://bit.ly/SN2sD4) that Victory Christian Center pastor Sharon Daugherty brought up the topic during weekend services.
Police say Daugherty knew about the abuse allegations, but trusted ministry employees to follow in-house policies on reporting such incidents. She has not been charged.
Authorities say the 13-year-old is among at least three victims of alleged sex crimes by two former employees who face criminal charges.
An investigator says more victims could surface as police continue to investigate, but police fear some parishioners in the congregation may choose to pray about the allegations rather than provide concrete evidence.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com
