Texas man who was youth mentor faces indecency charges
DALLAS- A 61-year-old man who considered himself as a youth mentor is behind bars, charged with committing sex crimes against the teens in his program, reports CBS DFW.
Ernest Green faces three felony counts of indecency with a child, according to police. Detectives began investigating Green within the last week, after a group of teenage boys between the ages of 13 and 16 contacted police.
Investigators raided Green's Dallas apartment Wednesday, CBS DFW reports.
Green is the founder and sole operator of a youth mentoring program called United Youth Core, which he ran out of his apartment. The program has existed since at least 2011, according to arrest warrants.
The victims allegedly told police their parents signed a form so they could join, and at Green's home, they played the latest video games on Xbox or Play Station. The teens also said Green took them to an amusement park and a restaurant.
One victim allegedly told police that Green placed his hand inside the victim's pants and underwear, according to an arrest affidavit.
Another victim allegedly told police that Green referred to part of his bed as "the spot," and that he would ask the teens to lie there and sleep next to him. The victim allegedly said that Green tried to have sex with him on that bed.
One woman who lives in the same apartment complex as Green told CBS DFW that some of the single mothers in the community were looking for mentors for their teenage sons. They believed Green was fulfilling that role.
Crystal Dorman says she considered letting her son join the program, and feels like it's a blessing she did not.
"I thank God. I don't want my child to go through something. That's sad for any child," Dorman said.
She says Green told her his program was full, and he could not take in any more members, and neighbor Ola Pennant said a lot of children from the neighborhood spent time at Green's apartment.
"There was always a lot of kids going in and out. Little boys, big boys. I've never seen the girls, but I've always seen a lot of boys," Pennant said.
Dallas police are asking anyone with additional information about Green to contact detectives at (214)671-4215.