Pastor Accused Of Molesting Teen He Says Was Possessed By Demon

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – The pastor of the Miracle Christian Church has been charged with sexual battery after reportedly telling a 17-year-old girl that she was possessed by a demon and then molesting her.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Gerardo Martinez, 52, pastor of the church at 5724 State Road 54, met the teen when her parents brought her to the church in April 2017. Her parents told sheriff's deputies that she became a member of the church after Martinez told them she had multiple personalities and one of the personalities was possessed by a demon.

The teen's parents said Martinez was able to gain their trust so they allowed their daughter to stay with Martinez alone at church after services to pray in attempt to rid her of her demon. The sheriff’s office said Martinez eventually began to visit the teen at her home in Tarpon Springs while her parents were out. A neighbor told the sheriff’s office that the teen was seen walking down the street with the pastor and getting into his car several times.

Another witness saw the pastor and teen alone and in close contact in the conference room at the church. Martinez later explained to the witness that he was attempted to cast out the demon in her.

The teen's parents contacted the sheriff's office after she told them that, from April to October, the pastor performed sexual acts with her against her will at the church, her home and in the pastor’s car in the parking lot of the Publix at 1346 Seven Springs Blvd.

In an interview with detectives, Martinez admitted to going to the victim’s house while her parents were gone but said she asked him over to help walk her dog. Martinez, however, denied any sexual contact with the teen.

Investigators said the teen’s story remained consistent when she told it to both deputies and members of the Pasco Child Protection Team.

Martinez was arrested on Feb. 9 and bail was set at $5,000.

Image via Pasco Sheriff's Office