Church Volunteer Accused Of Sexually Abusing Minor For Years: PD

SANTA ROSA, CA — A 55-year-old Santa Rosa man is accused of sexually abusing a minor he met while volunteering at a local church, police said.

Drue Mordecai was arrested Thursday on suspicion of 12 charges related to the investigation and remains behind bars in lieu of $3 million bail, according to a Santa Rosa Police Department news release.

The day prior to Mordecai's arrest, the Santa Rosa Police Department's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Team began a sexual assault investigation that involved a "Small Group Leader" at New Vintage Church and a juvenile victim, police Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said.

"As a result of the investigation, probable cause was established that the suspect sexually abused a juvenile victim for approximately four to five years," Mahurin said. "The abuse began when the victim was 12 years old. The victim and the suspect were not related but both attend the church."

Police said there was no evidence the suspected abuse happened at the church, where Mordecai was one of six volunteers who worked with high school students.

Leadership at New Vintage Church assisted police with the investigation and to help determine whether there were more victims, Mahurin said.

"Lead Pastor Darren Youngstrom told SRPD, 'As soon as we found out [about the allegations], we proactively began calling families to make sure children were safe,'" Mahurin said.

Police released Mordecai’s booking photo based on his access to youth.

"If you were or know someone who may have been a victim, please reach out to SRPD," Mordecai said. "This investigation is still on-going, and detectives are seeking anyone who may have information related to this sexual assault."

Police said information can be submitted online through SRPD's tip line.