Former Maryland Youth Pastor Don Martin Charged In 30-Year-Old Rape, Police Search For Other Victims
PARKVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- A former Maryland youth pastor is behind bars on rape charges.
Baltimore County Police said the incident took place decades ago and now they believe there could be more victims.
Don Giovanni Martin, 56, was arrested Monday in connection to a sexual assault about 30 years ago, Baltimore County Police said.
Martin was taken into custody Monday at his home in the 600 block of China Clipper Circle in Essex and is now charged with second-degree rape, second-degree sex offense and second-degree assault.
Baltimore County Police said officers responded to a call on Feb. 25, 2021 for a past sexual assault on a child.
The victim was a woman who told officers she was sexually assaulted by her youth pastor, Don Martin, about 30 years ago at Martin's home during a sleepover, police said.
Investigators said Martin was a youth pastor at a church in Rosedale at the time of the incident, police said.
"He's had contact with a lot of young children at that time, and there may be a possibility there are others out there who have experienced the same thing that this woman has experienced," said Detective Robert Reason, a Baltimore County Police spokesman.
Martin is currently being held without bond pending a bail review hearing.
Again, detectives are asking if you are also a victim or may have had similar incidents involving Martin to contact Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, there is help available for you 24-hours a day. You can call the police non-emergency line at 410-887-2222 or contact any one of these resources:
- Turn Around 24-hour hotline: 443-279-0379
- Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County: 410-828-6390
- Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
- Greater Baltimore Medical Center SAFE nurse: 443-849-3323
