3 lay ministers among 5 charged with sex crimes

3 lay ministers among 5 charged with sex crimes

(AP) – 10 minutes ago

LEXINGTON, Montana — Five members of a family, including three lay ministers, are charged in Missouri with sex crimes against children.

The five men arrested Tuesday are charged with several felonies, including forcible sodomy, rape with a child less than 12 years old and use of a child in a sexual performance. Allegations include bestiality and forcing an 11-year-old to have an abortion.

Authorities say one of the victims came forward with the allegations in mid-August. The 26-year-old woman is related to the suspects.

A spokeswoman for the Independence-based Community of Christ says three of the suspects are lay ministers but are not in positions of leadership or involved with youth.

Authorities are searching property outside Bates City that is owned by the family.

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