North Highlands Church Choir Director Suspected Of Sexually Assaulting Minor May Have More Victims
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A church choir director is under arrest, accused of sexually assaulting a minor, after the victim came forward with the allegations years later.
Sacramento Police say Kareem Mitchell met his victim, who is now an adult, while working as the choir director at the New Testament Baptist Church in North Highlands. It's a position the 42-year-old holds to this day.
Investigators say the victim was a minor in his late teens at the time of the sexual relationship between 2005 and 2008, and came forward in September last year. Police believe there could be more victims.
Rev. Donnie Bryant is urging people to let the legal process run its course before passing judgement.
"The thought of these young boys and the offense that they went through, if this is true, it's devastating," he said.
Police say Mitchell was investigated on similar allegation in the past, but charges were never filed. This time, it stuck.
"If there are any other victims that have come in contact with this individual it's very important you come forward," said officer Justin Brown.
Police would not reveal whether the alleged crimes took place on church grounds or elsewhere. Mitchell is behind bars at the Sacramento County Jail on $500,000 bail.
