Police Say Teen Girls Abused In At-Risk Youth Church Program
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (WJZ/AP) — Authorities have charged a Maryland pastor, his minister son and another church leader with sexually abusing four teen girls in a program for at-risk youth.
Prince George's County police say the abuse happened between 2001 and 2008 when the victims were in a program run by the Oxon Hill Assembly of Jesus Christ in Fort Washington.
The suspects were identified Wednesday as the head pastor of the church, 67-year-old Joshua William Wright of Brandywine; his 46-year-old son, William Joshua Wright of White Plains; and his 40-year-old son-in-law, Donald Jackson, also of White Plains. William Joshua Wright is a minster and Jackson is a church leader.
Police say the girls were abused at the suspects' homes, various parks and the church.
Court documents revealed graphic details, accusing the pastor of sexual acts with an alleged victim between 16 to 18 years old while she was "selected to live inside" his home. The victim also alleges the "sexual abuse occurred regularly."
Jackson and William Joshua Wright, who is also a U.S. Capitol Police officer, face serious charges including rape.
Police say they both waved their Miranda rights and confessed to engaging in sex acts with a minor.
U.S. Capitol Police released the following statement to WJZ Wednesday night:
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) takes this situation and the charges brought against William J. Wright, III, very seriously. Upon notification of the investigation by the Prince George's County Police, the Department immediately placed him in a non-duty status. As this is an ongoing investigation, the USCP will continue to monitor the outcome of this matter in Prince George's County, and will have no further comment.
Police say they don't have any additional suspects at this time, but they're not ruling out the possibility of other victims.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Prince George's County Police Department's Child and Vulnerable Adult Unit at 301-772-4930. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the "P3 Tips" mobile app (search "P3 Tips" in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.)
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