Eight child victims have now been identified during an investigation into sex crime allegations against an Abilene church worker.
During a press conference Tuesday, Police Chief Stan Standridge said that since Benjamin Roberts, 25, was arrested for Indecency with a Child and Possession of Child Pornography last week, detectives have identified at least 6 additional victims and expect the number to rise as they continue to interview several children that had contact with him.
Roberts was employed at the Wylie Baptist Church Early Childhood Development Center when he was arrested and was terminated once he was formally charged.
A second employee, the childhood center’s director, was also fired during the investigation, and Chief Standridge revealed she is suspected of criminal activity and he does intend to press charges.
KTAB and KRBC are withholding her identity unless the charges are filed.
Roberts worked with children at other churches, including Beltway Park South, Southern Hills Church of Christ, and a ‘Kid’s Club’ Ministry ran out of his home at 465 Cockerell Drive.
Due to the large volume of children Roberts had contact with, investigators believe there is an “extremely high likelihood” he sexually assaulted more victims, in addition to those who have already come forward.
Parents are urged to talk with their children and if any crime is suspected, to make a report with the Abilene Police Department at (325) 673-8331.
(Story from BigCountryHomepage.com)
