The pastor of a Miami church has been arrested after he was accused of inappropriately touching and trying to repeatedly kiss a 15-year-old girl, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
“According to investigators, the victim, who was 15 years old, reported to deputies that the pastor of her church on several occasions fondled her behind and rubbed against her thighs and attempted to kiss her. The mom also observed several text messages that were inappropriate and caused concern and alarm in her,” MDSO Detective Angel Rodriguez said.
The victim said that the incident took place at Theophile Church, located at 15201 Northwest 7th Avenue in Miami.
The sheriff’s office said that the teen’s mother also reported that she read inappropriate text messages that the suspect, who has since been identified as 50-year-old Elco Vallier, allegedly sent to her daughter, which “caused her concern.”
The sheriff’s office said that Special Victims Unit detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Vallier, who lives in Loxahatchee, which is west of Palm Beach.
With the assistance of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Vallier was arrested for the Miami-Dade warrant.
Authorities have not said if they believe there may be other victims, but Rodriguez made this plea:
“At this time, detectives are urging the community to please come forward with any information about this case and are specifically urging the parents who attend this church, if a child has come in contact with the pastor, and if they have any information, please come forward. Detectives want to speak with you.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that the number to call investigators is (305) 715-3300.
Investigators said that Vallier was charged with Lewd or Lascivious Molestation; Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.
On the church’s website, there is a note, “Our doors at Haitian Ministry Theophile Church in Christ are open.”
CBS News Miami has reached out to the church for comment, but so far, we have not heard back.
